COVID-19
Hometown Health Blog
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.