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),

Care tips for upper respiratory infections in children

Seasonal cases of influenza, strep throat and RSV have increased over the past few weeks, especially among children. Learn what to do if you suspect your child is sick.

November 17, 2022

Pfizer bivalent COVID-19 booster available

Appointments are available in Albert Lea, Austin, Cannon Falls, Faribault, Kasson, Lake City, Lake Mills, New Richland, Owatonna, Plainview, Red Wing, Rochester, Wells and Zumbrota.

October 11, 2022

Virtual community forum to contrast monkeypox and COVID-19

Join Mayo Clinic Health System experts on Friday, Sept. 23, from noon to 1 p.m. CDT for "A Tale of Two Viruses."

September 12, 2022

COVID-19 vaccination for age 5 and under in Southwest Minnesota

Beginning Tuesday, July 5, parents and legal guardians may schedule appointments for children ages 6 months to 5 years old at Southwest Minnesota sites.

July 6, 2022

COVID-19 vaccination for age 5 and under in Southwest Wisconsin

Beginning Tuesday, July 5, parents and legal guardians may schedule appointments for children ages 6 months to 5 at most Southwest Wisconsin sites.

July 5, 2022

Psychologist provides tips for coping with the 'COVID limbo' and 'panger'

Research has shown an increase in frustration, agitation and anger throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Pandemic anger, or "panger," is a real mental health concern many people are deali...

June 14, 2022

COVID-19 testing to change in Northwest Wisconsin

Dedicated testing locations in Eau Claire, Barron and Menomonie will be discontinued.

April 29, 2022

Second COVID-19 booster available

Mayo Clinic will begin offering the second COVID-19 booster vaccination to all eligible patients beginning the week of Monday, April 11.

April 6, 2022

COVID-19 testing declines in Southwest Wisconsin

The number of COVID-19 tests performed in La Crosse dropped nearly 50% from record levels in January.

February 8, 2022

COVID-19 testing volume increase expected

La Crosse testing doubled on Monday, Dec. 27. Getting vaccinated and wearing a mask in public are key to reducing infection rates.

December 28, 2021

COVID-19 therapy milestone reached

This week marks a milestone, as Mayo Clinic Health System infused its 10,000th patient with monoclonal antibodies.

December 20, 2021

COVID-19 booster vaccinations available for ages 16 and 17

The booster dose will further protect teenagers and others against COVID-19 infection.

December 10, 2021

What should you do if you have COVID-19 or flu?

Unsure if you have flu or COVID-19? Symptoms can be similar. Find out what to do, and how to self-manage symptoms and use the Check Symptoms tool.

By Muhanad Mohamed January 30, 2023

Preserving pandemic positives

Throughout the pandemic, people adopted strategies that strengthened relationships, improved self-care and slowed down daily life. What are the positives worth preserving?

By Jolene Hanson January 27, 2023

Check Symptoms tool evaluates upper respiratory illnesses

Concerned you or your child may have RSV, the flu or COVID-19? Learn how an online assessment tool can quickly evaluate symptoms, determine if testing is needed and recommend next steps for care.

December 6, 2022

Answers to questions about COVID-19 bivalent booster vaccines

A Mayo Clinic expert explains the bivalent booster, which protects against the original virus that causes COVID-19 and the omicron variants, BA.4 and BA.5.

October 14, 2022

Don't skip your flu shot this year

Put up your best defense. It's time for your seasonal flu shot. Learn why it's more important than ever to be vaccinated.

By Jennifer Johnson September 22, 2022

COVID-19 vaccines for infants, toddlers

FDA advisers voted unanimously to recommend emergency-use authorization for Moderna and Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccines for young children. A Mayo Clinic expert shares what this means for parents.

June 22, 2022

COVID-19 booster vaccinations extended to kids 5–11

Vaccination continues to be a safe, effective way to prevent serious illness and hospitalizations from COVID-19. Here's what parents of children ages 5–11 need to know.

May 24, 2022

What to know about FDA limits on use of J&J COVID-19 vaccine

Because of an elevated, but low, risk of blood clots associated with the J&J COVID-19 vaccine, the FDA has limited its use. A Mayo Clinic expert explains what the latest recommendation means for you.

May 10, 2022

Second COVID-19 booster for those 50 and older, immunocompromised

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has expanded eligibility for a second COVID-19 booster. Get the details with this Q&A.

April 8, 2022

Dealing with 'brain fog' from long COVID-19

One symptom of post-COVID syndrome is described as "brain fog." Learn what you can do if you have short-term memory loss, confusion and difficulty concentrating after a COVID-19 infection.

March 29, 2022

Endemic vs. epidemic vs. pandemic: What you need to know

The drop in COVID-19 cases may lead you to think the pandemic is ending. While stats are headed in the right direction, an infectious diseases expert explains why it's too early to say it's over.

March 10, 2022

Updated COVID-19 vaccine recommendations

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued interim recommendations for a shortened interval to the booster, or fourth, dose of mRNA vaccines for immunocompromised people among other updates. Get the details.

February 15, 2022