| Web: | mayocliniclabs.com |
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| Email: | mcl@mayo.edu |
| Telephone: | 800-533-1710 |
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| Values are valid only on day of printing | |
| Web: | mayocliniclabs.com |
|---|---|
| Email: | mcl@mayo.edu |
| Telephone: | 800-533-1710 |
| International: | +1 855-379-3115 |
| Values are valid only on day of printing | |
As positive COVID-19 cases spike across the country, the role of contact tracing becomes even more important. Contact tracing is the process of identifying those who may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, assessing the risk of their exposure and facilitating quarantine when indicated.
For many people, 2020 has been a year of multiple changes or stress-inducing situations, including the COVID-19 pandemic, economic strain, racial unrest, political division, and environmental disasters, such as wildfires and hurricanes. All of these stressful situations happening at the same time can affect your mental and physical health.
A recent survey conducted on behalf of the American Psychological Association found that nearly 80% of adults say that the coronavirus pandemic is a significant source of stress in their lives. In addition, 60% say that they are overwhelmed by the number of issues America faces, including health care, the economy, racism and political tensions. Now, the holidays are looming, a time of year that often brings heightened family and relationship stress. How can we better cope in these unsettling times?
"There's a lot to suggest that this increase that we're seeing now in COVID-19 activity is going to continue and perhaps even get even higher in certain parts of the country. As they say, it's sometimes darkest before the dawn," says Dr. Tosh. "At the same time, there's a promise of several new vaccines on the horizon. Of course, right now, we don't know what the efficacy or the safety profile is of this of any of these yet, but there is at least that promise on the horizon that we will get out of this. But before we get out of this, there's going be a lot of people who are at risk, and we need to keep them safe."
DEAR MAYO CLINIC: I have two children under 10 who just returned to school in person. The school announced updated requirements that when children return to school from being sick, they will need to have a negative COVID-19 test. Since my daughters are not good patients, I'm concerned about how to prepare them if they need a COVID-19 test.
ROCHESTER, Minn. — The last day of COVID-19 testing at Graham Park will be Nov. 14. The Community Testing Collaborative, formerly known as the Graham Park Collaborative COVID-19 Testing Site, will begin transitioning to two new indoor locations on Thursday, Nov. 12, to provide staff and patients a warmer, safer place to be tested during winter.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, with dire news about upward pandemic trends, it may be tempting to believe inaccurate, questionable claims. Perhaps you've heard theories about COVID-19 on social media, or from friends and family members?
With news about upward pandemic trends, it's important to have accurate information. Below are several debunked myths about COVID-19, that you could share with family and friends.
Dr. Nipunie Rajapakse, a Mayo Clinic pediatric infectious diseases specialist, says participating in virtual events and limiting your gatherings to only those who live in your household will be the safest ways to celebrate during the upcoming holiday season. She recommends that anyone who is planning to celebrate the holidays with people from outside of their households consider the concept of a social bubble. It's a way to expand your social interactions beyond household family members while reducing the risk of getting infected with, or spreading, COVID-19.
As the holiday season gets underway, shopping may look a lot different this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. When choosing retail stores to visit, Dr. John O'Horo, a Mayo Clinic infectious diseases physician, says you should look for businesses that take extra precautions to create an environment that limits exposure to the virus — and be sure to follow those important protocols. In this Mayo Clinic News Network video, Dr. O'Horo provides a tour through one such retail business.
