Key Takeaways Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, women and mothers have overwhelmingly taken on an onslaught of responsibilities at home. Whether it’s caring for loved ones, homeschooling children, or securing vaccination appointments for older relatives, it’s been widely reported that they’ve had to bear the brunt of additional labor. Now, a new study is confirming that juggling all these priorities is taking a toll on women’s mental health. According to the study, women spent more time on unpaid work than men during COVID-19 lockdowns, which in turn has worsened their mental health....

Key TakeawaysHappy hypoxia describes a situation in which a person’s blood oxygen levels are low but they feel fine.Researchers have discovered that happy hypoxia in COVID-19 patients has several causes.These causes include impaired blood flow and blood oxygenation in the lungs. Key Takeaways Happy hypoxia describes a situation in which a person’s blood oxygen levels are low but they feel fine.Researchers have discovered that happy hypoxia in COVID-19 patients has several causes....

Key TakeawaysSome people recovering from COVID-19 report that foods taste rotten, metallic, or skunk-like, describing a condition called parosmia.COVID-19 can damage olfactory receptors in the nose or the parts of the brain necessary for smelling.There’s no way of knowing when a person’s sense of smell will return to normal, but smell training may help. Key Takeaways Some people recovering from COVID-19 report that foods taste rotten, metallic, or skunk-like, describing a condition called parosmia....

Key TakeawaysCOVID-19 may increase the risk of new diabetes in kids, according to a CDC study.Warning signs of diabetes include excessive thirst, frequent urination, rapid weight loss, and fatigue.Vaccinations, masking, and social distancing measures can help protect both adults and children from COVID-19 infection and complications. Key Takeaways COVID-19 may increase the risk of new diabetes in kids, according to a CDC study.Warning signs of diabetes include excessive thirst, frequent urination, rapid weight loss, and fatigue....

Key TakeawaysResearch shows there is not a correlation between COVID-19 and Guillain-Barre syndrome.GBS is a rare autoimmune disorder that mistakenly attacksthe peripheral nervous system, resulting in muscle weakness and possibly paralysis.A majority of people with GBS recover fully, but may have long-lasting weakness.There is not a known correlation between GBS and the COVID-19 vaccination. Key Takeaways Research shows there is not a correlation between COVID-19 and Guillain-Barre syndrome.GBS is a rare autoimmune disorder that mistakenly attacksthe peripheral nervous system, resulting in muscle weakness and possibly paralysis....

Key TakeawaysThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was expected to issue guidance in August on a law that would permit over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, but the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the response.In an article published in theNew England Journal of Medicine,experts are urging the FDA to prioritize releasing the guidance on OTC hearing aids. Key Takeaways The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was expected to issue guidance in August on a law that would permit over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, but the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the response....

Key TakeawaysInfection, hospitalization, and mortality rates fell last week for the first time in months.With the rapid spread of new viral variants, however, the U.S. may see surges in the months ahead.Public health experts say wearing masks, social distancing, and vaccines are the best tools to continue driving down rates of infection and death. Key Takeaways Infection, hospitalization, and mortality rates fell last week for the first time in months.With the rapid spread of new viral variants, however, the U....

Key TakeawaysCOVID-19 vaccination rates were lower in Ukraine than in many other countries before the war began, putting many people at risk for contracting and transmitting the virus.Because of Russian attacks, important infrastructure, like hospitals, have been damaged or destroyed.A lack of medical care and supplies will pose public health challenges beyond COVID-19 spread.The greatest threat to Ukraine at this moment, of course, is the advancing Russian army. But collateral threats in this war include hunger, damaged healthcare infrastructure, and COVID-19 outbreaks....

Key TakeawaysAlthough nasopharyngeal swabs were the gold standard for testing at the start of the pandemic, saliva tests are growing in popularity and preference.Research shows saliva tests are just as reliable at detecting the presence or absence of SARS-CoV-2.Saliva tests aren’t invasive, and patients can collect their own samples, sometimes in the comfort of their own homes.Biotech companies and universities are continuing to research and develop new COVID-19 saliva tests and ways to get testing options to the public....

Key TakeawaysCOVID-19 can live on human skin for nine hours, which may increase the risk of COVID-19 contact transmission.The flu can survive on human skin for only 1.8 hours.Keeping hands and surfaces clean can help decrease the risk of COVID-19 and flu infection.Because COVID-19 and the flu can be spread through droplet transmission, it’s important to still wear face masks and practice social distancing. Key Takeaways COVID-19 can live on human skin for nine hours, which may increase the risk of COVID-19 contact transmission....

Key TakeawaysPeople with COVID-19 are told to watch for a blue discoloration of the face and lips. But Black patients are less likely to display this symptom than White patients.Pulse oximetry measuring tools are also more likely to return inaccurate results for Black patients compared to White patients.Experts argue that these examples indicate the need for increased racial equity in medical symptomatology and technology. Key Takeaways People with COVID-19 are told to watch for a blue discoloration of the face and lips....

Key Takeaways While testing people for COVID-19 has been a critical issue during the pandemic, its importance seems to be on the downslide as vaccinations take precedence. But that’s a mistake, health experts say. “Testing is a core part of a public health campaign to defeat any epidemic or pandemic," Jeremy Levin, chairman ofBIO, the global Biotechnology Innovation Organization, tells Verywell. He explains COVID-19 testing serves several key functions, including:...

Key TakeawaysA recent study suggests the best time to take an at-home COVID-19 test may be on the fourth day of having symptoms.Despite the study’s findings, experts say people should follow the current guidelines from the CDC, which states those who have any symptoms should test immediately.Individuals who don’t have any symptoms but have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 should test at least 5 full days after exposure. Key Takeaways A recent study suggests the best time to take an at-home COVID-19 test may be on the fourth day of having symptoms....