Dr. Jen Irwin
@drjenirwin.bsky.social
Professor, Health Promotion, views are my own. Evidence-informed decision-making is important. Integrity matters. N95 wearer. Dog mom. (She/her) 🇨🇦
Well, we’ve tried the “let everything rip” approach to public health…perhaps we can now return to the days of evidence-based decisions. Call me old fashioned, but I don’t much care for the idea of kids dying from more preventable illnesses.
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic...
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic...
Canada officially loses its measles elimination status
The return of measles in the country has been largely attributed to lower childhood vaccination rates
www.theglobeandmail.com
November 11, 2025 at 12:06 AM
Well, we’ve tried the “let everything rip” approach to public health…perhaps we can now return to the days of evidence-based decisions. Call me old fashioned, but I don’t much care for the idea of kids dying from more preventable illnesses.
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic...
www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/artic...
Reposted by Dr. Jen Irwin
Despite Conservatives’ best efforts, the vast majority of Canadians remain united against Trump.
cultmtl.com/2025/11/50-o...
cultmtl.com/2025/11/50-o...
November 8, 2025 at 4:41 PM
Despite Conservatives’ best efforts, the vast majority of Canadians remain united against Trump.
cultmtl.com/2025/11/50-o...
cultmtl.com/2025/11/50-o...
Reposted by Dr. Jen Irwin
If only there was something public health could recommend that would be effective at stopping influenza transmission regardless of strain...
If it doesn't get inside you, it can't make you sick. It's amazing that they still have trouble understanding that concept.
If it doesn't get inside you, it can't make you sick. It's amazing that they still have trouble understanding that concept.
Masks and respirators for prevention of respiratory infections: a
state of the science review | Clinical Microbiology Reviews
SUMMARY This narrative review and meta-analysis summarizes a broad evidence base on the benefits—and
also the practicalities, disbenefits, harms and personal, sociocultural and environmental
impacts—o...
journals.asm.org
November 9, 2025 at 1:01 PM
If only there was something public health could recommend that would be effective at stopping influenza transmission regardless of strain...
If it doesn't get inside you, it can't make you sick. It's amazing that they still have trouble understanding that concept.
If it doesn't get inside you, it can't make you sick. It's amazing that they still have trouble understanding that concept.
Reposted by Dr. Jen Irwin
The big science accounts are talking about immune dysregulation due to COVID-19 now.
I. Told. You. So.
Infection does confer antibodies and T cells against C19… but it also takes a wrecking ball to the immune system as a whole.
Stop burning down your house. (Metaphorically.)
I. Told. You. So.
Infection does confer antibodies and T cells against C19… but it also takes a wrecking ball to the immune system as a whole.
Stop burning down your house. (Metaphorically.)
November 8, 2025 at 3:13 AM
The big science accounts are talking about immune dysregulation due to COVID-19 now.
I. Told. You. So.
Infection does confer antibodies and T cells against C19… but it also takes a wrecking ball to the immune system as a whole.
Stop burning down your house. (Metaphorically.)
I. Told. You. So.
Infection does confer antibodies and T cells against C19… but it also takes a wrecking ball to the immune system as a whole.
Stop burning down your house. (Metaphorically.)
Reposted by Dr. Jen Irwin
What we must confront: Living with Long COVID
The Peak
November 3, 2025
By Ashima Shukla
stillcoviding.ca/en/news/what...
#COVID #LongCovid #CovidIsNotOver
The Peak
November 3, 2025
By Ashima Shukla
stillcoviding.ca/en/news/what...
#COVID #LongCovid #CovidIsNotOver
What we must confront: Living with Long COVID
stillcoviding.ca
November 7, 2025 at 1:31 PM
What we must confront: Living with Long COVID
The Peak
November 3, 2025
By Ashima Shukla
stillcoviding.ca/en/news/what...
#COVID #LongCovid #CovidIsNotOver
The Peak
November 3, 2025
By Ashima Shukla
stillcoviding.ca/en/news/what...
#COVID #LongCovid #CovidIsNotOver
Sign by Nov 10th
"The open letter to the World Health Organization urging them to recommend true respiratory protection (N95/FFP2–3) for all healthcare workers is still accepting signatures until November 10th.”
Add your name here⤵️
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
#Covid2025
"The open letter to the World Health Organization urging them to recommend true respiratory protection (N95/FFP2–3) for all healthcare workers is still accepting signatures until November 10th.”
Add your name here⤵️
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
#Covid2025
A Call for the Universal Use of Respirators in Healthcare - Add Your Name
In an effort to advance global public health through turbulent times, a group of experts from around the globe in medicine, public health, law, industrial hygiene, and other disciplines, met at the Un...
docs.google.com
November 7, 2025 at 7:08 PM
Sign by Nov 10th
"The open letter to the World Health Organization urging them to recommend true respiratory protection (N95/FFP2–3) for all healthcare workers is still accepting signatures until November 10th.”
Add your name here⤵️
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
#Covid2025
"The open letter to the World Health Organization urging them to recommend true respiratory protection (N95/FFP2–3) for all healthcare workers is still accepting signatures until November 10th.”
Add your name here⤵️
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
#Covid2025
Reposted by Dr. Jen Irwin
Strict school vaccine mandates work, and parents don’t game the system − new research theconversation.com/strict-schoo...
"...policy-level solutions work. But they require comprehensive implementation and adequate enforcement mechanisms."
"...policy-level solutions work. But they require comprehensive implementation and adequate enforcement mechanisms."
Strict school vaccine mandates work, and parents don’t game the system − new research
When states prohibit parents from opting their kids out of vaccines for religious, philosophical or other nonmedical reasons, communities stay better protected against infectious diseases.
theconversation.com
November 5, 2025 at 4:52 PM
Strict school vaccine mandates work, and parents don’t game the system − new research theconversation.com/strict-schoo...
"...policy-level solutions work. But they require comprehensive implementation and adequate enforcement mechanisms."
"...policy-level solutions work. But they require comprehensive implementation and adequate enforcement mechanisms."
Reposted by Dr. Jen Irwin
New data from The Lancet on sepsis (a life-threatening dysregulated host immune response to infection leading to organ dysfunction) shows that in 2021 alone, 166 million sepsis cases and 21.4 million deaths were estimated globally.
That's nearly 1/3 of all global deaths for the year.
🧵1/4
That's nearly 1/3 of all global deaths for the year.
🧵1/4
Global, regional, and national sepsis incidence and mortality, 1990–2021: a systematic analysis
The global burden of sepsis increased in 2020 and 2021, reversing progress from 1990.
Sepsis incidence and mortality increased in people aged 15 years and older, especially
those aged 70 years and old...
www.thelancet.com
November 5, 2025 at 4:44 PM
New data from The Lancet on sepsis (a life-threatening dysregulated host immune response to infection leading to organ dysfunction) shows that in 2021 alone, 166 million sepsis cases and 21.4 million deaths were estimated globally.
That's nearly 1/3 of all global deaths for the year.
🧵1/4
That's nearly 1/3 of all global deaths for the year.
🧵1/4
Reposted by Dr. Jen Irwin
This finding emphasizes that chronic disease management must be aligned with effective infection prevention and control to protect this growing at-risk population.
One more reason to adopt enhanced respiratory protection standards, particularly as outlined in the new draft of CSA Z94.4.
4/4
One more reason to adopt enhanced respiratory protection standards, particularly as outlined in the new draft of CSA Z94.4.
4/4
The CSA’s revised standard on respirators should help us all breathe easier
New draft standards for respirator use recognize the importance of protecting workers and patients in health-care settings, where there is a higher risk of pathogen exposure
theconversation.com
November 5, 2025 at 4:45 PM
This finding emphasizes that chronic disease management must be aligned with effective infection prevention and control to protect this growing at-risk population.
One more reason to adopt enhanced respiratory protection standards, particularly as outlined in the new draft of CSA Z94.4.
4/4
One more reason to adopt enhanced respiratory protection standards, particularly as outlined in the new draft of CSA Z94.4.
4/4
Reposted by Dr. Jen Irwin
While Poilievre wants to turn back the clock, ending birthright citizenship + women’s rights and focusing on making a deal with Trump, Prime Minister Carney is increasing Canada’s trade with other countries, using 🇨🇦resources and talent.
We can’t go backwards.
#CanadaStrong
youtu.be/wV-G1haFMMw
We can’t go backwards.
#CanadaStrong
youtu.be/wV-G1haFMMw
This is our country, and we decide what happens next.
YouTube video by Mark Carney
youtu.be
November 5, 2025 at 12:02 PM
While Poilievre wants to turn back the clock, ending birthright citizenship + women’s rights and focusing on making a deal with Trump, Prime Minister Carney is increasing Canada’s trade with other countries, using 🇨🇦resources and talent.
We can’t go backwards.
#CanadaStrong
youtu.be/wV-G1haFMMw
We can’t go backwards.
#CanadaStrong
youtu.be/wV-G1haFMMw
This👇
Canada is showing global leadership in preventing airborne virus transmission with the CSA's new draft standard for respirator use (especially in healthcare) 🎉
theconversation.com/the-csas-rev...
theconversation.com/the-csas-rev...
The CSA’s revised standard on respirators should help us all breathe easier
New draft standards for respirator use recognize the importance of protecting workers and patients in health-care settings, where there is a higher risk of pathogen exposure
theconversation.com
November 4, 2025 at 10:40 PM
This👇
Reposted by Dr. Jen Irwin
Yes! I would love to be convinced that covid is no big deal. But 500 000+ research papers are still saying otherwise
November 4, 2025 at 9:56 PM
Yes! I would love to be convinced that covid is no big deal. But 500 000+ research papers are still saying otherwise
Do those who accuse scientists & others of being too focused on COVID appreciate that part of the reason we read & critique so many studies is that we really want to find high quality evidence that we're wrong? Nobody wants this current reality, but here we are. 😷💉 🪟💨
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
COVID-19 is spreading again — how serious is it and what are the symptoms?
Limited COVID-19 surveillance data are hampering vaccination and health strategies, researchers say.
www.nature.com
November 4, 2025 at 8:48 PM
Do those who accuse scientists & others of being too focused on COVID appreciate that part of the reason we read & critique so many studies is that we really want to find high quality evidence that we're wrong? Nobody wants this current reality, but here we are. 😷💉 🪟💨
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Reposted by Dr. Jen Irwin
“I think there’s a collective amnesia right now about COVID-19…”
WHO researchers say global COVID-19 cases rose by over 19,000 last month but poor surveillance means true numbers are likely far higher.
Without good data, vaccine timing and variant tracking are harder to manage.
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Without good data, vaccine timing and variant tracking are harder to manage.
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
COVID-19 is spreading again — how serious is it and what are the symptoms?
Limited COVID-19 surveillance data are hampering vaccination and health strategies, researchers say.
www.nature.com
November 4, 2025 at 8:31 PM
“I think there’s a collective amnesia right now about COVID-19…”
Reposted by Dr. Jen Irwin
The new CSA standard Z94.4, expected to be published in the early new year, sets a very high standard for respiratory protection the all workplaces especially healthcare where the risks of respiratory infections are particularly high and associated with serious consequences.
November 4, 2025 at 12:31 AM
The new CSA standard Z94.4, expected to be published in the early new year, sets a very high standard for respiratory protection the all workplaces especially healthcare where the risks of respiratory infections are particularly high and associated with serious consequences.
Reposted by Dr. Jen Irwin
Reposted by Dr. Jen Irwin
"health-care workers and patients should not inhale airborne bacteria or viruses. Measles, influenza, COVID, tuberculosis and other pathogens can float in the air, carried inside tiny aerosolized particles that we all produce when we breathe, speak, cough or sneeze"
The CSA’s revised standard on respirators should help us all breathe easier
The CSA’s revised standard on respirators should help us all breathe easier
New draft standards for respirator use recognize the importance of protecting workers and patients in health-care settings, where there is a higher risk of pathogen exposure
theconversation.com
November 3, 2025 at 7:18 PM
"health-care workers and patients should not inhale airborne bacteria or viruses. Measles, influenza, COVID, tuberculosis and other pathogens can float in the air, carried inside tiny aerosolized particles that we all produce when we breathe, speak, cough or sneeze"
Reposted by Dr. Jen Irwin
The CSA’s revised standard on respirators should help us all breathe easier
The CSA’s revised standard on respirators should help us all breathe easier
New draft standards for respirator use recognize the importance of protecting workers and patients in health-care settings, where there is a higher risk of pathogen exposure
theconversation.com
November 3, 2025 at 6:07 PM
The CSA’s revised standard on respirators should help us all breathe easier
Science for Pandemic Preparedness: a Precautionary Framework
The bias of current system of pandemic alert is toward inaction—This bias should be reversed—precautionary action should be taken on presumptive basis, unless evidence shows it is not necessary.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
The bias of current system of pandemic alert is toward inaction—This bias should be reversed—precautionary action should be taken on presumptive basis, unless evidence shows it is not necessary.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Science for Pandemic Preparedness: A Precautionary Framework
In the early weeks of the pandemic year 2020, health agencies were slow to warn of the potential for a global health emergency while scientists waited for ‘sufficient’ evidence of human-to-human tran...
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
November 3, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Science for Pandemic Preparedness: a Precautionary Framework
The bias of current system of pandemic alert is toward inaction—This bias should be reversed—precautionary action should be taken on presumptive basis, unless evidence shows it is not necessary.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
The bias of current system of pandemic alert is toward inaction—This bias should be reversed—precautionary action should be taken on presumptive basis, unless evidence shows it is not necessary.
onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...
Reposted by Dr. Jen Irwin
I have family & friends who think I’m “over the top” about Covid & it’s time to move on. I’m not perfect in how I manage viruses, but I know a f*ck ton more than I used to & I wouldn’t step a foot in some places w/o a mask. I get eye rolled at all the time. I don’t GAF. It’s dangerous out there.
November 3, 2025 at 12:15 PM
I have family & friends who think I’m “over the top” about Covid & it’s time to move on. I’m not perfect in how I manage viruses, but I know a f*ck ton more than I used to & I wouldn’t step a foot in some places w/o a mask. I get eye rolled at all the time. I don’t GAF. It’s dangerous out there.
‘The global prevalence of long COVID-19 neurological signs/symptoms was estimated between 0.4% and 34% based on online questionnaire; while it varied between 1.8 and 83.14% based on patient assessment. Long-C-related neuro symptoms more common in 11-16 yr olds.’
‘
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41171518/
‘
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41171518/
Persistent neurological sequelae in children and adolescents after SARS-CoV-2: a scoping review - PubMed
Our results demonstrate a considerable burden of COVID-19-related persistent neurological signs/symptoms in children and adolescents, which should be taken into consideration in healthcare decision-making.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
November 1, 2025 at 9:13 PM
‘The global prevalence of long COVID-19 neurological signs/symptoms was estimated between 0.4% and 34% based on online questionnaire; while it varied between 1.8 and 83.14% based on patient assessment. Long-C-related neuro symptoms more common in 11-16 yr olds.’
‘
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41171518/
‘
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41171518/
Reposted by Dr. Jen Irwin
A reminder that #PierrePoilievre voted against EVERY SINGLE measure to help ordinary people and those less fortunate. All while billing taxpayers millions of dollars per year doing nothing but campaigning for himself. #cdnpoli #NeverPoilievre
November 1, 2025 at 8:07 PM
A reminder that #PierrePoilievre voted against EVERY SINGLE measure to help ordinary people and those less fortunate. All while billing taxpayers millions of dollars per year doing nothing but campaigning for himself. #cdnpoli #NeverPoilievre
Reposted by Dr. Jen Irwin
It's not like we were born with an innate understanding of N95 masks and airborne transmission. Many of us put in the intellectual effort to understand it, starting in 2020. You don't need a medical degree to understand this stuff. It has been explained, and explained, and explained.
November 1, 2025 at 8:01 PM
It's not like we were born with an innate understanding of N95 masks and airborne transmission. Many of us put in the intellectual effort to understand it, starting in 2020. You don't need a medical degree to understand this stuff. It has been explained, and explained, and explained.
Reposted by Dr. Jen Irwin
“[COVID-related cognitive damage] involves areas [of the brain] with these responsibilities: Managing…fear and aggression; Empathy, emotional awareness & social interaction; Decision-making; Integrating prior and current information to anticipate choices…”
COVID and the Brain
Main audience: everyone
open.substack.com
October 31, 2025 at 2:28 PM
“[COVID-related cognitive damage] involves areas [of the brain] with these responsibilities: Managing…fear and aggression; Empathy, emotional awareness & social interaction; Decision-making; Integrating prior and current information to anticipate choices…”