Health Topics

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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

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

COVID-19 care generates gratitude, new career

A life-threatening case of COVID-19 put April Alden-O'Connor in the hospital for more than two months. Learn how it also brought insights about caring for others and her future career path.

March 2, 2023

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 evaluates RSV, upper respiratory illness symptoms

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

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

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

Helping kids struggling with the ever-changing COVID-19 pandemic

Children are once again facing disruption to daily routines due to COVID-19 cases surging. Get advice on how to support kids having difficulty coping with the changes.

February 4, 2022

How the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting kids

A common misconception is that the effect of COVID-19 on kids is minimal. Learn how the pandemic really affects children physically and mentally.

January 27, 2022

What to do after your COVID-19 test

The high demand for COVID-19 tests continues, along with questions about the various types of tests and what to do if you test positive or negative. Get the details.

January 24, 2022

Emergency departments not for COVID-19 testing

If you need to test for COVID-19, Mayo Clinic health experts remind you not to go to the emergency department as it is for patients with life-threatening needs.

January 17, 2022

Mayo Clinic App makes managing health care a breeze

College student Lucas Anderson found that using Patient Online Services on the Mayo Clinic App made it easy for him manage his health care.