Category: COVID-19

The COVID-19 Pandemic: A Glossary of Terms

The coronavirus crisis has introduced a lot of new words into our daily vocabulary — words such as pandemic and asymptomatic and acronyms like PPE and PUI. All can be found in the dictionary or on websites for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and the American Red… Continue reading The COVID-19 Pandemic: A Glossary of Terms

Talking to Kids About COVID-19

As public conversations around coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) increase, children may worry about themselves, their family, and friends getting ill with COVID-19. Parents, family members, school staff, and other trusted adults can play an important role in helping children make sense of what they hear in a way that is honest, accurate, and minimizes anxiety… Continue reading Talking to Kids About COVID-19

COVID-19: Safe Grocery Shopping during The Pandemic

The novel coronavirus has changed many aspects of our daily lives, including trips to the grocery store. Instead of popping by the supermarket to grab what you need for tonight’s dinner, many people are now second-guessing their trips and wondering whether it is even safe to go into a store and be exposed, not only… Continue reading COVID-19: Safe Grocery Shopping during The Pandemic

COVID-19: How You Can Make A Difference in The Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has created challenges in our everyday lives. As we each do our part to help slow the spread of coronavirus disease, we look to the helpers all around us and wonder if we, too, could do more. Here, from the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are some ways you and your… Continue reading COVID-19: How You Can Make A Difference in The Pandemic

COVID-19: Caring for a Patient at Home

Most people who get sick with COVID-19 will have only mild illness and should recover at home, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Care at home can help stop the spread of COVID-19 and help protect people who are at risk for getting seriously ill from the virus. However, adults and people… Continue reading COVID-19: Caring for a Patient at Home

COVID-19: How to Safely Use Hand Sanitizer

Each of us can help stop the spread of COVID-19 disease by washing our hands regularly with soap and water for 20 seconds – especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose. If soap and water are not available, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)… Continue reading COVID-19: How to Safely Use Hand Sanitizer

COVID-19: Update on Search for New Tests

One of the top concerns in the COVID-19 pandemic has been getting enough tests for people who may have the illness. The federal Food and Drug Administration said it has worked with 270 test developers who are going to submit emergency use authorizations (EUA) requests to the FDA. In a news release the FDA said… Continue reading COVID-19: Update on Search for New Tests

COVID-19: What People with High Blood Pressure Need to Know

Most people have concerns about staying healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those with a chronic condition such as high blood pressure — a reading above 130/80 — may face an increased risk for severe complications if they get the virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). With nearly half of Americans… Continue reading COVID-19: What People with High Blood Pressure Need to Know

COVID-19: Beware of Fake Tests, Vaccines and Treatments

While many Americans are sheltering at home to help “flatten the curve” and slow the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), they might be tempted to buy or use questionable products that claim to help diagnose, treat, cure, and even prevent COVID-19. Because COVID-19 has never been seen in humans before, there are currently no vaccines… Continue reading COVID-19: Beware of Fake Tests, Vaccines and Treatments

COVID-19: Blood Donations Update

The nation’s blood supply requires a steady supply of donors who generously donate millions of units of potentially life-saving blood and blood components each year. Every two seconds, a patient needs a blood transfusion. But in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a statement from the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA), “the… Continue reading COVID-19: Blood Donations Update

Medical Directive Leaders Urge the Public to Create a Plan Amid COVID-19

Amid the growing COVID-19 pandemic, leaders with MyDirectives are urging Americans to create an advance care plan and share it with their loved ones. With a strain on the U.S. healthcare system and doctors left to make decisions for people with little to no background on the patient, MyDirectives leaders hope people use this time… Continue reading Medical Directive Leaders Urge the Public to Create a Plan Amid COVID-19

Dry Skin Relief from COVID-19 Handwashing

Has frequent handwashing left you with dry, cracked skin? With these tips from dermatologists you can continue to wash your hands to fend off COVID-19 (coronavirus) and heal dry skin. Here’s what dermatologists recommend: Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds in lukewarm water. Use soap, and wash every part of your hands, including… Continue reading Dry Skin Relief from COVID-19 Handwashing

Coping with Stress during COVID-19

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The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has prompted widespread fear and anxiety. Emotions like these can be overwhelming. Coping with stress will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger. Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations.  How you respond to the outbreak can depend on your background, the things that make… Continue reading Coping with Stress during COVID-19

Federal Agencies Warn of Scam COVID-19 “Treatments”

In February 2020, the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cautioned consumers to be on the lookout for scammers taking advantage of fears surrounding COVID-19. Now, in March, the FDA and the Federal Trade Commission  (FTC) and FDA have jointly issued warning letters to seven sellers of unapproved and misbranded products, claiming they can treat… Continue reading Federal Agencies Warn of Scam COVID-19 “Treatments”

New Coronavirus Stays for Hours on Surfaces

The virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is stable for several hours to days in aerosols and on surfaces, according to a new study from National Institutes of Health, CDC, UCLA and Princeton University scientists in The New England Journal of Medicine. The scientists found that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was… Continue reading New Coronavirus Stays for Hours on Surfaces

Scientists Testing Possible COVID-19 Vaccine

A Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating an investigational vaccine designed to protect against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has begun at Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute (KPWHRI) in Seattle, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health, is funding… Continue reading Scientists Testing Possible COVID-19 Vaccine