Health Topics

Find information on many health topics, listed A to Z.

COVID-19

Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases, such as MERS (Middle East respiratory syndrome) and SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome). Coronaviruses are transmitted between animals and people. The new strain is called COVID-19 acute respiratory disease (novel coronavirus),

In The News

HealthFinders Collaborative offers COVID-19 testing in Faribault

Testing expands Rice County’s response to the pandemic, especially for the underserved

May 20, 2020
Donations of handmade cloth masks requested

Mayo Clinic Health System is requesting community donations of fabric masks to help keep patients, visitors and staff safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

May 12, 2020
Mayo Clinic Health System locations in Minnesota expand in-person care options, elective surgeries

Upon careful review of patient needs and our practice, and in alignment with the executive orders from Governor Walz and the Minnesota Department of Health, Mayo Clinic Health System locations in M...

May 5, 2020
Mayo Clinic Health System locations in Wisconsin expand in-person care options, elective surgeries

Upon careful review of patient needs and our practice, and in alignment with the executive orders from Governor Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Mayo Clinic Health System in L...

May 1, 2020
Video visits rolled out to keep homebound patients connected to care

Patients don’t have to be tech-savvy to take advantage of online care.

April 17, 2020
Guidelines for community donations

Guidelines are intended to help provide direction for specified donations and locations where donations are accepted in Southeast Minnesota.

April 14, 2020
Patients and visitors required to wear masks when at Mayo Clinic Health System facilities

As the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, Mayo Clinic Health System continues to assess and adjust practices to best protect the safety of patients, visitors and staff.

April 13, 2020
Patients and visitors required to wear masks when at Mayo Clinic Health System facilities

Beginning Monday, April 13, patients and visitors will be required to wear a personal homemade or cloth mask while on any Mayo property and are highly encouraged to bring their own cloth masks to h...

April 12, 2020
Clinical operations temporarily changed in Northwest Wisconsin

Select clinics and services in Northwest Wisconsin will switch to phone and video visits only beginning April 13.

April 9, 2020
Modified clinic hours in Southeast Minnesota

Changes take effect the week of April 6.

April 6, 2020
Mayo Clinic forges a partnership with Pepin Manufacturing to produce face shields

Over the next two weeks, Pepin will make about 200,000 face shields for Mayo.

April 6, 2020
Patients encouraged to call their local clinic first; respiratory clinic space now designated in Southeast Minnesota

Patients are encouraged to call first before before coming to any clinic or hospital. You will be triaged to the right setting of care based on your symptoms.

March 27, 2020

From The Blog

Patient reflects on surgical experience during pandemic

Diane Baier needed a last-minute surgical procedure before a planned trip, but then the COVID-19 pandemic changed how health care was delivered. Learn how changes the surgical team made kept her and others safe.

June 2, 2020

Stepped-up safety measures for surgery

Chad Meacham slipped and ruptured a disk in his neck, which required surgery. Learn how enhanced safety measures during the COVID-19 pandemic protect him and others during surgery.

May 26, 2020

Childhood vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, parents are thoughtful about bringing children to public spaces, including clinics. However, families should keep children on the recommended vaccine schedule. Learn why.

Jennifer Johnson DO By Jennifer Johnson May 21, 2020

COVID-19 and spiritual life: What do we do now?

The "what comes next" question is important in our society today as we deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. So what do we do now? Here are three ways we can choose to deal with dubious times.

May 20, 2020

Help stop the spread of respiratory illness: Masking options

The CDC recommends everyone wear a mask while in public. We'll help you find the best options for you and your family.

Joseph Krien MD By Joseph Krien May 20, 2020

Video visits keep patient, doctor connected during pandemic

Debbie Doble was diagnosed with breast cancer, but the COVID-19 pandemic halted face-to-face appointments. Find out how she continued care from the convenience of her home using video visits.

May 19, 2020

COVID-19 and lung conditions: What you need to know

People with underlying lung conditions, such as asthma or COPD, have been identified as having an increased risk of developing serious respiratory complications from COVID-19. Get tips to prevent getting the virus.

Muhammad Rishi, M.D. By Muhammad Rishi May 18, 2020

Video visits help therapy patients recover at home

Patients recovering from stroke and orthopedic surgery, and children experiencing speech difficulties are among the growing number of patients now using video visits. Discover the benefits of rehab therapy video visits.

May 14, 2020

10 ways to manage COVID-19 symptoms at home

With stay-at-home orders, now is the time to focus on minimizing exposures and spread of COVID-19. One way to accomplish this is by managing any new viral symptoms at home. What does that mean?

Samantha Runstrom, M.D. By Samantha Runstrom May 13, 2020

Staff member shares experience after COVID-19 diagnosis

COVID-19 affects people in different ways. Kari Houser, a Mayo Clinic Health System staff member, shares her family's story of their recent diagnosis and recovery.

May 12, 2020

Breast cancer recovery back on track after COVID-19 pandemic delays surgery

When you learn you have cancer, the natural reaction is to want it out of your body as quickly as possible. Lisa Carlson recently was diagnosed with breast cancer and can attest to that.

May 11, 2020

Patient recalls near-death experience with COVID-19

Craig Bell says he started to feel ill and was experiencing cold-like symptoms that progressively worsened. After testing positive for COVID-19, he was admitted to the ICU.

May 11, 2020