People are increasingly using rapid coronavirus tests to screen for the virus before attending an event. Rapid antigen tests for the new coronavirus are less accurate than the “gold standard” polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, but antigen tests are cheaper and faster to run. Experts say the rise in rapid testing may give people a […]

Experts say schools can be the perfect setting for a “superspreader” event of COVID-19. They note that the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 among children is rising across the United States. They say schools need to put in preventive measures such as masks, physical distancing, staggered class schedules, and ventilation. They add that the […]

Experts say we’re nowhere close to achieving herd immunity against COVID-19 in the United States. In addition, a new study suggests that antibodies developed during an infection may only last for a few months. Experts say personal behaviors, such as wearing masks, washing hands, and physical distancing, are the best ways to stop the spread […]

A rare and sometimes fatal inflammatory neurological condition appears to be increasing in prevalence due to the pandemic, according to a new study by British scientists. Researchers found a spike in adults with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), a rare condition typically seen in children and that can be triggered by viral infection. The researchers found […]

There isn’t evidence that Black Lives Matter protests have led to a noticeable increase in COVID-19 cases, despite early concerns from health officials. The reasons for the lack of transmission likely have to do with the protesters being outside in the wind and sun and most of them wearing masks. People who attend other outdoor […]

The Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning about nine hand sanitizer products made in Mexico. Officials say the products contain high levels of toxic methanol, which can cause blindness and even death if ingested. Symptoms of methanol poisoning include nausea, dizziness, weakness, and visual disturbances. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning […]

Superinfections are a common complication in which a secondary bacterial infection occurs on top of the primary viral infection. People who have prolonged stays in the intensive care unit (ICU), like those with COVID-19 who can be hospitalized for weeks, are prone to secondary infections. Early evidence suggests that about 50 percent of people who’ve […]

Experts say COVID-19 has significantly disrupted the education cycle for children. They recommend parents be as forthright as possible with children about the pandemic and its effects. They also advise parents to continue learning lessons for children this summer as well as plenty of “free play.” They say parents should be prepared for every scenario […]

Organ donations and transplant procedures dropped during the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing many Americans waiting for an organ to wait even longer. One man is waiting for a kidney donation even though he has a willing living donor. Hospitals with organ transplant centers shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilators, and ICU beds. In mid-March, when […]

Many states banned nonessential medical procedures in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19. Patients have also put off routine care out of fear that they could be exposed to the new coronavirus at hospitals and doctors’ offices. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and some private insurance companies have expanded coverage for […]