COVID-19 symptoms may begin like the flu but go on to develop fever, cough, and shortness of breath that is severe enough to warrant hospitalization in many patients. Unfortunately, to date, there is no antiviral drug or vaccine to treat this infection. Symptom relief and supportive care (many requiring hospital care) are the current treatment methods. However, early supportive care may reduce the disease severity.Source: Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD
Trending Coronavirus (COVID-19) Topics
Can You Spread COVID-19 With No Symptoms? Asymptomatic/Pre-symptomatic Studies Say Yes
If you have no symptoms of the COVID-19 virus, can you pass the disease to others? News from the WHO this week muddied the waters. But studies suggest asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic carriers were shown to be contagious lasting...
COVID-19 vs. Flu vs. Cold
You have a fever, cough, runny nose, and diarrhea. Do you have a COVID-19 infection or the common cold or the flu? Learn the similarities and differences between these conditions.
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
COVID-19 is a new coronavirus that is quickly spreading around the world. The main symptoms and signs of COVID-19 infection are cough, fever, and shortness of breath. Treatment focuses on symptom relief.
Coronavirus COVID-19 Slideshow
A new strain of coronavirus COVID-19 was reported from Wuhan, China in December, 2019. This outbreak of respiratory flu-like symptoms has quickly spread resulting in a worldwide pandemic. Learn about symptoms, prevention and best practices for treatment.
Coronavirus COVID-19: Latest Outbreak Updates From WebMD
Updated daily for everything you need to know about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). WebMD's coronavirus health center guides you to White House updates, latest health news, cases, tests, and more.
Read more about Coronavirus COVID-19: Latest Outbreak Updates From WebMD »
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Stay Up-To-Date With Medscape
The explosive rise in cases of coronavirus infection is of concern worldwide. Get the latest news, clinical trial coverage, drug updates, and more from the top medical resource for physicians.
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Latest Coronavirus (COVID-19) News
- Easier Access to COVID Treatment Paxlovid
- Vaccines Don't Shield Against Long COVID, But May Ease Symptoms
- Most COVID Long-Haulers Still Having Symptoms 15 Months Later
- Cancer Patients Have Even Greater Need for COVID Boosters: Study
- COVID Can Rebound After Treatment With Paxlovid
- Poll Finds COVID Low on Parents' Summer Camp Checklist
- Repeat Infections With COVID-19 May Become the Norm
- 1 in 3 Americans Now Live in Areas Where Indoor Masks Advised, CDC Says
- Getting Vaccine After Infection Might Curb Long COVID
- Estrogen May Help Fight Severe COVID-19
- Is It COVID, Flu or RSV? New At-Home Test May Tell
- FDA Authorizes Pfizer Booster Shot for Kids Ages 5 to 11
- Dogs Accurately Sniff Out COVID-19 at Airports
- COVID Rules Don't Apply: Narcissists Shun Masks, Vaccines
- 'Tragic Milestone': 1 Million American Lives Lost to COVID-19
- Long COVID May Be Chronic, Require Anti-Inflammatory Meds: Study
- AHA News: College Athletes Rarely Develop Heart Problems One Year After Having COVID-19
- Smell, Taste Loss Less Likely With Newer COVID Variants
- Company Hid Problems With COVID Vaccines From FDA
- EU Scraps Mask Mandate for Planes, Airports
- Rare Cases of COVID Relapse Seen With Pfizer Pill
- Could a COVID Infection Help You Ward Off the Common Cold?
- Severe COVID May Age Survivors' Brains 20 Years: Study
- Early Promise for COVID Vaccine Taken as Pill
- Unvaccinated and Having Heart Trouble? That Can Be Deadly When COVID Strikes
Facts, How to Prepare, Prevention, and Protection
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What Is the Recommended Pain Reliever for COVID-19?
Acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) can all be used for pain relief from COVID-19 body aches...
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How Is COVID-19 Different From Allergies?
COVID-19 symptoms are often similar to symptoms of seasonal allergies, so it is important to know how to tell the difference....
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How Do You Fight Fatigue From COVID-19?
You can fight COVID-19 fatigue by getting plenty of rest, practicing good sleep hygiene, napping when needed, staying hydrated,...
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How Do You Keep Your Immune System Healthy With COVID-19?
Strong immunity is pivotal for the prevention and complete recovery from COVID-19. Here are eight tips to boost your immunity and...
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Does COVID-19 Cause Weird Dreams?
Research shows that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant effect on sleep and dream activity in healthy adults....
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Are Pregnant Women at Higher Risk With COVID-19?
Your body undergoes significant physiological, mechanical, and immunologic changes during pregnancy. You're not more likely to...
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How Does COVID-19 Infection Affect the Placenta?
The placenta is the supply chain and waste disposal for the baby in your womb. After studying a few second-trimester and hundreds...
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What Are Some of the Symptoms of the Omicron Variant?
The most common symptoms of the Omicron variant are similar to the symptoms caused by other COVID variants, such as the following....
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What Are Symptoms of the Delta Variant?
The Delta variant is a highly contagious strain of the COVID-19 virus. Learn about symptoms of the Delta variant and how to...
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How Long Is COVID-19 Patient Contagious for?
People infected with COVID-19 can still be contagious even when they stop feeling sick, so precautionary measures should continue...
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COVID-19 (Coronavirus, 2019-nCoV)
Infection with COVID-19 (2019 novel coronavirus, 2019-nCoV) causes respiratory problems in humans. Transmission of COVID-19...
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Can COVID-19 Vaccine Affect Fertility?
The COVID-19 vaccine does not affect fertility....
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Can a Sore Throat Be the Only Symptom of COVID-19?
Although rare, COVID-19 may present with only sore throat in about 5%-10% of cases. COVID-19-related sore throat is relatively...
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Are Kawasaki and COVID-19 Related?
Children with COVID-19 infection have experienced symptoms similar to Kawasaki disease due to multisystem inflammatory syndrome...
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When Do You Lose Your Sense of Smell and Taste With COVID-19?
According to recent studies, COVID-19 symptoms of loss of smell and taste typically begin 4-5 days after other symptoms have...
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What Does a COVID-19 Headache Feel Like?
COVID-19 headache may feel like a pulsing, pressing, or stabbing pain....
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Does Your Upper Back Hurt With COVID-19?
COVID-19 can cause upper back pain as well as other body aches. Back pain can even linger months after infection. Learn about...
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How Long After COVID-19 Symptoms Appear Should I Get Tested?
The CDC recommends that anyone who is exposed to COVID-19 should test four to five days after their suspected exposure....
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Should I Get Tested for COVID-19 if I Have a Sore Throat?
If you have a sore throat along with symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath, you should get tested for COVID-19....
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Does COVID-19 Give You a Stomach Ache?
COVID-19 can cause stomach ache along with other gastrointestinal issues, often the result of liver damage or medications given...
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Is Sore Throat Symptom of Coronavirus?
Sore throat is a potential symptom of coronavirus or COVID-19 infection. Learn about other COVID-19 symptoms and how to protect...
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Are Migraines a Symptom of COVID-19?
Although the main symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, and shortness of breath, migraines are also a common symptom that may...
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What Kind of Headache Comes With COVID?
COVID-19 headache is described as a really tight, squeezing sensation that gets worse with coughing and physical activity....
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What Are Some of the Common Symptoms of COVID-19 and Flu?
Flu and COVID-19 share common symptoms because they are both respiratory tract infections. Learn the 12 common symptoms below....
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How Do I Stop a COVID-19 Cough?
Cough is a symptom of COVID-19 that can linger for weeks even after the infection has cleared up. Here are 9 tips for stopping a...
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What Is a High Temperature for COVID-19?
COVID-19 infection can cause a fever or high body temperature of 100.4°F or higher....
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Does COVID-19 Cause Dizzy Spells?
Although not a typical symptom of COVID-19, neurological symptoms, such as dizziness, are associated with coronavirus infection....
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What Is the Most Effective Treatment for COVID-19?
Depending on a person’s symptoms, the most effective treatment for COVID-19 may range from rest and hydration to oxygen therapy...
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How Soon After the COVID-19 Booster Vaccines Are You Protected?
According to recent studies, it takes about 14 days after receiving the COVID-19 booster vaccine for your immune system to offer...
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What SpO2 Oxygen Level Is Normal for COVID-19 Patients?
In a patient with COVID-19, SpO2 levels should stay between 92%-96%. Low oxygen levels that drop below this threshold require...
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Omicron Variant Vs. Flu Symptoms: Similarities and Differences
Here are the similarities and differences of the Omicron COVID-19 variant and flu symptoms....
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Which Type of Diabetes Is Worse for COVID?
COVID-19, the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, is a mild illness in most people. People with type 1 diabetes have 3.5...
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Can Congestion Be the Only Symptom of COVID-19?
Congestion can be the only symptom of COVID-19 in some cases....
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Does COVID-19 Start With Body Aches?
COVID-19 has symptoms similar to the flu or common cold. Fever, headaches, and body aches are typically the first sign of...
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What Happens If You Don't Take the Second Shot of the COVID-19 Vaccine?
If you don’t take the second shot of the COVID-19 vaccine, you will not reach full immunity against the virus and will be at...
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Should You Avoid Pain Relievers Before Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine?
Both the CDC and WHO do not recommend taking pain relievers before getting the COVID-19 vaccine, as it is still unknown whether...
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What Is Flurona Disease?
“Flurona” is an informal term that refers to dual infection with the flu virus and the coronavirus. Learn more about co-infection...
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Are There Any FDA-Approved Drugs for COVID-19?
Recently, the FDA has authorized several other medications for emergency use for COVID-19 besides the drug Veklury (remdesivir)....
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How COVID-19 Affects the Eyes
Recent studies have found that COVID-19 can affect multiple organs, including the eyes. Learn more about potential eye problems...
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When Does a COVID-19 Patient Need to Go on a Ventilator?
When COVID-19 leads to ARDS, a ventilator is needed to help the patient breathe. ARDS reduces the ability of the lungs to provide...
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What Are COVID Toes and Fingers?
While less common, COVID-19 can affect your skin. COVID toes and fingers refer to rashes and discoloration on the toes and...
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Are COVID-19 Vaccines Safe for Cardiac Patients?
Getting vaccinated for COVID-19 is both safe and recommended for cardiac patients, since they are more likely to develop...
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How Long Could Fatigue Last After COVID-19 Infection?
Fatigue usually lasts for 2-3 weeks after COVID-19 infection, although some people may experience fatigue for 12 weeks or more...
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Do COVID-19 Vaccines Protect Against the Delta Strain?
Research suggests that a full course of COVID-19 vaccines could protect you from early mutants such as the Delta strain....
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What Do COVID-19 Body Aches Feel Like?
COVID-19 body aches can range from mild to moderate, and may affect the shoulders, lower back, or legs and limit or restrict...
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Can COVID-19 Cause Mediastinal Lymphadenopathy?
COVID-19 can cause mediastinal lymphadenopathy, but it is not considered a typical finding on chest CT scans of patients infected...
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Who Can Get the Booster Shot for COVID-19?
Learn who can get the booster shot for COVID-19, whether you can mix and match brands, and why COVID-19 booster shots are needed....
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When Is BiPAP Used for COVID?
BiPAP helps improve breathing in people who have severe difficulty in breathing irrespective of the lung injury being COVID-19...
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What Is the Delta Variant of COVID-19?
Here’s everything you need to know about the Delta variant, why it’s so contagious, and whether COVID-19 vaccines can protect...
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Can COVID-19 Cause Pneumonia?
In some cases, COVID-19 can cause life-threatening lung complications such as pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and...
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Is There a Lot of Sneezing With COVID-19?
While sneezing is not a definitive symptom of COVID-19, some people infected with the Delta variant have complained of sneezing....
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Can I Drink Alcohol Before Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine?
While no scientific evidence exists claiming to avoid alcohol before or after the COVID-19 vaccine, health officials still advise...
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Can Immunocompromised People Get the COVID-19 Vaccine?
Immunocompromised people can and should get the COVID-19 vaccine, as they are extremely vulnerable to severe infection....
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Which Organ System Is Most Often Affected by COVID-19?
Lungs are the main organs affected by COVID-19; however, the virus can also affect other organs, such as the kidneys, brain, and...
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Do All Patients With COVID-19 Get Pneumonia?
According to the CDC, about 3%-17% of patients with COVID-19 develop lung-related complications that require hospitalization,...
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How Long Does Headache Last With COVID-19?
COVID-19 headaches typically last for a few days, although the duration depends on your age, immune system, and overall health...
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When Might COVID-19 Booster Shot Side Effects Start?
Typically vaccine-related side effects are reported within 24 to 48 hours of taking the vaccine....
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What Is the Omicron Variant?
Omicron (aka B.1.1.529) is a variant of the COVID-19 virus that was recently discovered in South Africa....
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Is It Possible to Develop Immunity to COVID-19 After Recovering?
People who recover from COVID-19 do develop an immune response to the disease after infection; however, these antibodies usually...
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Does COVID-19 Have an Effect on Your Skin?
COVID-19 can affect the skin with symptoms known as cutaneous manifestations that result in bumps, rashes, papules, and more....
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How Do the COVID-19 Variants Differ?
The Delta variant is believed to be twice as contagious as previous COVID-19 variants and is associated with increased rates of...
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Which Groups of People Are at Increased Risk of Severe Illness From COVID-19?
People at higher risk of severe illness due to COVID-19 include individuals who have underlying medical conditions and have not...
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Is It Normal to Have Side Effects After the Second COVID-19 Vaccine?
As with any immunization, it is normal to have side effects after receiving your COVID-19 vaccine, irrespective of the dose....
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Is Fever a Symptom of COVID-19?
Fever is a symptom of COVID-19, although not everyone presents with fever. Learn about other COVID-19 symptoms and what to do if...
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What Is a Monoclonal Antibody for COVID-19?
Monoclonal antibodies for COVID-19 are lab-produced antibodies that can prevent the SARS-CoV-2 virus from attaching to cells....
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When Do Symptoms of the Coronavirus Disease Typically Start?
People infected with COVID-19 may experience symptoms five to six days after exposure to the virus; however, it can take up to 14...
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Can COVID-19 Leave Lingering Symptoms?
Nearly 80 percent of people infected with COVID-19 experience one or more lingering symptoms post-recovery....
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What Are the Differences Between Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccines?
Despite being made using the same technology and sharing similar effects on the body, here are the differences between the...
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How Does COVID-19 Mainly Spread?
COVID-19 mainly spreads via airborne particles and respiratory droplets formed when an infected person breathes, talks, coughs,...
-
Is the COVID-19 Booster Shot the Same Vaccine as the First Two Shots?
COVID-19 booster shots are the same formulation as the existing vaccines. However, the Moderna booster is half the dose of the...
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How Long Does Immunity Last After You Get Moderna, Pfizer, or Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccines?
People's bodies all respond differently to the vaccines so to understand how long immunity lasts, it comes down to your body’s...
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How Does COVID-19 Affect Children?
Most children and adolescents infected with COVID-19 experience less severe symptoms than adults....
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COVID-19 Vaccine for 5 to 11 Years Olds
Children aged 5 to 11 years old can receive a distinct vaccination formulation of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, which is...
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Is It Safe to Go to the Gym During the COVID-19 Pandemic?
The COVID-19 pandemic changed many people's routines. Even if you are vaccinated, going to the gym does still come with some risk...
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What Is Considered to Be Fever for COVID-19?
A body temperature of 100.4 degrees F or higher is generally seen in people with COVID-19, although not everyone who is infected...
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Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) and COVID-19
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) has been found mostly in children infected with COVID-19 or who were in...
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Can Flying on an Airplane Increase My Risk of Getting COVID-19?
Yes, air travel can increase your risk of COVID-19 infection; however, reduce that risk by getting vaccinated, wearing a face...
-
Is COVID-19 Life-Threatening?
Most people infected with COVID-19 experience mild to moderate respiratory symptoms and recover without special medical...
-
What Is a Possible Cause for My Loss of Smell and Taste?
What can cause loss of smell and taste are numerous factors, such as COVID-19, nasal blockage, deviated septum and more. If you...
-
What Qualifies as Immunocompromised for Covid Vaccine Booster?
People with compromised immune systems who have already received two doses of either the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine are...
-
Can I Get COVID-19 Again?
If you have had COVID-19, can you get it again? Yes, COVID-19 reinfection is rare but possible. Learn what symptoms to look for...
-
Can I Have COVID-19 and Fungal Infection at the Same Time?
One of those challenges is that bacterial and fungal infections can occur alongside COVID-19, especially in people whose cases...
-
What Was U.S. Life Expectancy in 2020?
The average life expectancy in the United States dropped from 78.8 years in 2019 to 77.8 years in 2020, a decrease of a full year....
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Vaccine-Induced Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia (VITT) and COVID-19
Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) is an extremely rare side effect of the COVID-19 vaccine and has only...
-
Do Recovered COVID-19 Patients Have Antibodies?
While antibodies have been found in people who recover from COVID-19, it’s unclear how long the immune response lasts. It’s...
-
Does COVID-19 Affect My Heart?
As per the American Heart Association, COVID-19 may have a long-term effect on the heart. Having a heart condition doesn't make a...
-
COVID-19 vs. Allergies
Though there is some overlap in allergy and COVID-19 signs and symptoms there are also significant differences. Symptoms that...
-
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Prevention Tips
COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that spreads from person to person via infected respiratory droplets. The main symptoms of...
-
COVID-19 vs. Flu vs. Cold
When you're feeling sick, it can be difficult to distinguish the symptoms of a COVID-19 infection from the symptoms of the common...
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Related Resources
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Diseases and Conditions: The Most Common Infectious Diseases in the U.S.
In 2016, infectious diseases sent Americans to the doctor more than 15 million times. That's a lot of trouble for organisms you...
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Respiratory Illnesses: 13 Types of Lung Infections
Is your cough caused by a cold, flu, pneumonia or something else? Learn causes of respiratory infection like bronchitis,...
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Coronavirus COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2): The Latest News, Updates and Information
See the latest news, updates, and information on the Coronavirus COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak. Learn about symptoms,...
-
Healthy Home: How Often Should This Be Cleaned?
House cleaning can improve your health. Learn how often to do the laundry, organize clutter, and clean your refrigerator among...
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Infectious Germs: Where Germs Love to Hide
What surfaces in your home or office do germs like bacteria and viruses including COVID-19 use to hide? What's the best way to...
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Cold and Flu: Finding Fast Cough Relief
Remedies for coughing to relieve symptoms, thin mucus, and clear phlegm include cough syrup and honey in hot water. Use...
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How to Get Rid of a Cold: Natural Remedies
What home remedies work to get rid of a cold fast? Many claim cold symptoms and flu symptoms can be relieved with Echinacea,...
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Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Prevention Quiz
Why is coronavirus considered dangerous? What are the symptoms you should look for? Take this COVID-19 prevention quiz to learn...
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Germs: Everyday Items with the Most Bacteria
Explore the germiest places you may encounter daily. Bacteria is everywhere. Learn tips to avoid germs and bacteria in public...
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COVID-19: Don't Delay Doctor Visits Because of COVID
You want to protect yourself from COVID-19, but you still need medical care. Find out when it's important to see a doctor....
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COVID-19 (Coronavirus): Mask Mistakes You're Making Now
You're wearing your mask every time you leave home. But could you be making simple mistakes that make your mask less effective?...
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Lung and Respiratory: Signs That You May Have Had COVID-19
Could you have already had COVID-19 and not know it? Learn some signs that might indicate just that....
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What's a Virus? Viral Infection Types, Symptoms, Treatment
Is a virus alive? Learn the definition of a virus. Viral infections like COVID-19 can occur in your eyes, mouth, skin, or...
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Cold, Flu, and Cough: 13 Foods to Eat When Fighting the Flu
The best foods to eat when you have the flu soothe symptoms and help you feel better faster. Good foods to eat with the flu...
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Coronavirus COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) Pandemic Outbreak: What You Need to Know
A new strain of coronavirus (COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2) was reported from Wuhan, China in December, 2019. This outbreak of respiratory...
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What Drugs May Fight COVID-19? Drug Trials, Treatments, Vaccines
What drugs could help fight coronavirus COVID-19? Clinical studies are ongoing for antiviral drugs like hydroxychloroquine,...
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Top 15 Immune System Boosters
Immune system boosters include foods, supplements, and lifestyle habits to help you fight off infections. A healthy immune system...
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16 Foods That Boost and Improve Your Immune System
Help fight colds, flu, as well as viruses like coronavirus with foods that boost and improve your immune system. Reach for...
Treatment & Diagnosis
- What Is the COVID-19 Antigen Test?
- Does Equivocal Mean Positive?
- What Is the Difference Between a PCR Nasal Swab and a COVID-19 Antigen Test?
- What Is the COVID-19 Antibody Test For?
- What Is Endotracheal Intubation?
- Tests Available for COVID-19
- How to Differentiate Between the Signs and Symptoms of COVID-19, Allergies, Cold, and Flu?
- How Do the COVID-19 Coronavirus Tests Work?
- What Is CPAP Therapy?
- What Are the Different Types of Mechanical Ventilation?
- Who Needs Mechanical Ventilation?
- Do Face Masks Offer Protection From the New Coronavirus?
- Testing Is Key to COVID-19 Recovery for Patients and Economy
- Is the Test for COVID-19 Coronavirus Reliable?
- Should I Go to the Dentist During the COVID-19 Pandemic?
- What if I get COVID-19 with Rheumatoid Arthritis?
- How Long Can the COVID-19 Coronavirus Survive?
- What if I get COVID-19 with Diabetes?
- What if I Get COVID-19 with Asthma?