CORONAVIRUS

Raccoon dogs are neither raccoons nor dogs, discuss.

12 Surprising Facts About Raccoon Dogs

Get to know the raccoon dog, which is neither a raccoon nor a dog.

COVID boosters targeting Omicron are here.

The CDC Has Approved New COVID Boosters Targeting Omicron Subvariants—Here's What You Should Know

Thinking of getting a booster? Here's what you should know.

21 Fascinating Facts About Vaccines

From facts about the COVID-19 vaccine to tidbits from vaccine history, here’s everything you ever wanted to know about immunization.

A Third Round of Free At-Home COVID Test Kits Is Now Available

The previous rounds of free at-home COVID test kits maxed out at four. This time, the USPS will ship eight to each household.

COVID can dramatically raise the risk of diabetes.

Even Mild Cases of COVID Can Lead to a 40 Percent Greater Risk of Diabetes

Coronavirus can attack insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, leading to low insulin sensitivity that can adversely affect how the body uses energy.

Not all Olympians get medals—but they all get condoms.

The Stimulating History of Free Condoms at the Olympics

Birds do it, bees do it, even Olympic athletes performing near-superhuman feats do it—so Olympic organizers like to make sure they do it safely.

The U.S. Government Is Distributing Free N95 Masks Across the Country—Here's How to Claim Yours

Starting the last week of January, N95 masks from the Strategic National Stockpile will be free to people who know where to find them.

COVID-19 home test kits can now be shipped right to your door.

PSA: You Can Now Order Free COVID-19 Home Tests From USPS

The test kits will be shipped free, with up to four available per household. It's all part of a federal program to help track and manage the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here's how to make sure your masks are legitimate.

How to Identify Counterfeit N95 Masks

Packaging that says "FDA approved" is a clear sign that your N95 face mask is fake. Here's how to identify the real thing.

How Long Do N95 Masks Last?

Are N95 masks reusable? It depends on a few factors—here’s how to tell when yours is ready to be replaced.

You can better assess your possible coronavirus symptoms with the CDC's online tool. Maybe do it before getting on a bus, though.

COVID Concerns? Use the CDC's Online Self-Checker to Assess Symptoms and Take Action

The CDC's online screening tool can help you differentiate between the variety of respiratory illnesses swarming the country this winter.

The CDC has advice for re-testing for COVID-19 after isolation.

Want to Re-Test Yourself for COVID-19 After Isolation? Here's What the CDC Recommends

Guidance around at-home testing before and after isolation for coronavirus is murky. The CDC is trying to fix that. Emphasis on trying.

Use This Tool to Check International COVID Restrictions Before Planning Your Next Trip

Before planning a trip in 2022, check the IATA's interactive map of current COVID-19 travel restrictions by country.

At-home COVID-19 testing can skew data about community spread of the virus.

Why You Should Report a Positive At-Home COVID-19 Test Result—and How to Do It

Self-administered coronavirus tests are hitting shelves, and it's important to know that a positive result should be reported to local health officials.

Those seeking both COVID-19 and flu shots this year can probably get them all at once.

Can I Get My Flu Shot and COVID Vaccine at the Same Time?

Winter is coming, and with it brings increased opportunity for respiratory viruses to spread. Here's what to know about getting COVID and flu shots in the same visit.

Preschoolers waiting to be vaccinated for smallpox outside their doctor's office.

Mandatory Vaccines for Schools Began in Boston Nearly 200 Years Ago

The prospect of COVID-19 vaccine mandates for schools has been ruffling some feathers lately. It’s not a new issue.

People may soon be hoarding toilet paper like it's 2020.

Wiped Out: Experts Say Another Toilet Paper Shortage Is Looming

Toilet paper is one of the few indispensable household products around. If retail experts are correct, it looks like a huge crack in the supply chain is looming once again.

Wondering How Safe an Activity Is? This COVID-19 Risk Calculator Will Tell You

Choosing “COVID-safe” activities is much easier said than done. This COVID-19 risk calculator can help.

These 25 Countries Have the Highest COVID-19 Vaccination Rates

Roughly 5.86 billion doses of the COVID-19 vaccines have been administered, and these are the 25 countries with the highest vaccination rates worldwide.

Looking to Buy a Used Car? These Are the 20 States Where You’ll Pay the Most Money

Why are used cars so expensive right now? A classic case of low supply, high demand—and it’s affecting the Mountain States the worst.

Two prized employees collaborating on an important project from home.

Working From Bed Is More Common Than You Think, Says New Survey

When the pandemic forced people to work from home, they created workspaces wherever they could. For some, the best place was in their bed.

Plastic dividers may do little to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Those Plastic COVID-19 Barriers in Stores Probably Aren't Helping Anyone

The Plexiglas barricades seen in retail stores and other businesses probably won't reduce the spread of COVID-19. In some cases, they may even make things worse.

They really could be immunologists, virologists, or epidemiologists.

Immunologist vs. Virologist vs. Epidemiologist: What’s the Difference?

What does an epidemiologist do? Not the same thing as an immunologist or a virologist. Here’s how to keep them straight.

Barbie versions of six healthcare heroes.

New Line of Barbie Dolls Will Honor COVID-19 Frontline Workers

The new Barbie dolls are honoring a Brooklyn ER nurse, an Oxford University vaccine developer, and more.