When a pandemic springs up as fast as the one sparked by the novel coronavirus, doctors must rummage around in their medicine cabinets for drugs that are already available and might be repurposed to treat a wholly new disease.

Treating patients with mild or moderate COVID-19 is essentially a preventive mission: The principal aim is to stop the ...Read more

The effects of COVID-19 on the lungs are well-known. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, more information is becoming available about the role the virus, called SARS-CoV-2, has on the heart. "Individuals with known cardiovascular disease are at an increased risk of more severe complications from respiratory viral illnesses, including the flu and...Read more

In many parts of the U.S., spring is in full bloom. And with the arrival of spring comes an increase in seasonal allergies and now questions about increased risk related to COVID-19.

"Currently, there is no data to substantiate those patients with allergies and asthma are at an increased risk for COVID-19. And there's nothing in the literature ...Read more

CHICAGO -- For weeks, officials from the White House to Chicago's City Hall told people that wearing a face mask in public isn't necessary as the novel coronavirus spread -- and that it could even cause more harm than good.

But other countries took a different route, especially some Asian nations -- including South Korea, Hong Kong and ...Read more

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: During the COVID-19 outbreak, I'm trying to limit trips to the grocery store. But I want to continue to eat healthy meals. What foods should I consider stocking up on, knowing that I probably won't be buying anything fresh for a couple of weeks?

ANSWER: Most people are in the habit of stopping by the grocery store at least ...Read more

Health experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continue to drive home the message that excellent hand-washing is the most effective way to prevent illnesses, such as COVID-19. Dr. Gregory Poland, an infectious diseases expert and director of Mayo Clinic's Vaccine Research Group, explains what soap does to SARS-CoV-2, and ...Read more

LOS ANGELES -- A day after the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak a pandemic, friends Annie Bickerton and Cristin Lim knew they couldn't wait around for government to help.

The two millennials mobilized, as Bickerton, 33, went to Lim, 24, with an idea.

"Can you help me make a website for a rapid response thing for ...Read more

HARTFORD, Conn. -- After five days of intense body aches, dizziness and moments when he struggled to catch his breath, John Craven thought he had finally beaten COVID-19.

Craven, a 41-year-old political reporter at News 12 Connecticut, was looking forward to easing back into his regular routine. On Sunday, he even did a workout video in his ...Read more

LONDON -- Schoolkids in lockdown put home-made signs in their bedroom windows thanking brave doctors and nurses. Families stepped outside their front doors for a national round of applause. Public buildings lit up blue. Stores have offered discounts to hospital staff, and designated hours.

They are hailed as heroes in Italy and Spain as the ...Read more

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Californians four years ago voted to ban single-use plastic bags, moving to protect the environment by doing away with the oil-based products that too often wound up in gutters and waterways.

Today, the coronavirus pandemic has those good intentions on hold.

The flimsy plastic bags are not back in stores, yet. But some ...Read more

Social distancing, hand-washing not touching your face and disinfecting surfaces are some ways to avoid contracting SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. But what about the food you eat? Can you get sick with COVID-19 by eating contaminated fruits, vegetables or other foods?

Dr. Abinash Virk, a Mayo Clinic infectious diseases specialist, ...Read more

When a new virus emerges that infects and sickens humans, the wheels of innovation start turning quickly in the world of health care and biomedical research. Teams versed in different aspects of laboratory medicine work together to better understand the virus and develop tests to identify those who are infected or have been exposed to the virus ...Read more

This week, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's leading infectious diseases expert, shared sobering estimates that COVID-19 could kill 100,000 to 240,000 Americans. Top government scientists warn that the death toll could be even higher if Americans don't follow the strict guidelines put in place to slow the spread of the virus.

Dr. Gregory Poland, ...Read more

With many Americans under order to shelter at home and leave only for necessities, we're spending more time than ever with our pets.

Wet puppy noses and sandpaper cat kisses may be a balm for our souls during this time of stress and extended social isolation. But can our physical closeness to our pets affect our health -- or theirs?

Here's a ...Read more

MINNEAPOLIS -- "I was thinking we could adopt a puppy while we're all at home," said Joanne Moffitt, with a teasing tone in her voice.

"Uh, that's a no," replied her husband, Les.

Had the coronavirus not erupted, the Burnsville, Minn., couple and their two children would be on a spring break trip to the Grand Canyon. Instead, they're home, ...Read more