Health Topics

Health topics

Browse topics to help you live your best life.

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),

Hometown Health Blog

FAQ: Your care team

Your care needs are important, which is why we provide a team-based approach. Learn more about care team collaboration and how it can benefit you.

Jill Lenhart, M.D. By Jill Lenhart July 16, 2025

Expert answers about new COVID-19 vaccine

The FDA approved a COVID-19 vaccine that targets current variants. A Mayo Clinic expert explains who should get this vaccine and if it can be given at the same time as the annual influenza vaccine.

July 16, 2025

Mayo Clinic expert discusses updated COVID-19 vaccines

New COVID-19 vaccines are designed to better protect against variants and prevent serious illness. Read what a Mayo Clinic expert shares about who should receive the updated vaccine.

September 11, 2024

Why are you coughing so much?

From a tickle in your throat to a chronic cough, you may wonder why you are coughing so much. Learn how to distinguish if your cough is a minor inconvenience or a sign of illness.

Liz Husted, M.D. By Liz Husted December 29, 2023

At-home COVID-19 tests: What to know about expiration dates, new variants

A Mayo Clinic expert shares what you need to know about expiration dates for at-home COVID-19 tests. Find out if these tests can detect new COVID-19 variants and what to do if the test is positive.

September 20, 2023

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.

Muhanad Mohamed, M.D. 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?

Jolene Hanson LICSW By Jolene Hanson January 27, 2023

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.

Jennifer Johnson DO 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

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