COVID-19 weekly news: January 10-16

Mayo Clinic experts debunk COVID-19 vaccine myths

COVID-19 vaccines protect you from getting sick. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says people who are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations and booster shots are well-protected from serious illness and dying from the disease.

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Expert alert: Providing perspectives on a ‘new normal” in our COVID-19 environment

Mayo Clinic experts are available to offer commentary and perspective on the "new normal" as COVID-19 transitions to an endemic disease. Among Mayo Clinic experts who are available.

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Mayo Clinic expert offers tips for at-home COVID-19 care

When you become infected with COVID-19, what are you supposed to do? Everyone who tests positive for COVID-19 does not need to seek medical care. Young, otherwise healthy people without any comorbidities who are experiencing mild symptoms can recover at home.

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Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast: Finding credible COVID-19 information online

Information about COVID-19 changes rapidly. While the internet can be a great source of information, the spread of COVID-19 misinformation has made it difficult for consumers to decipher fact from fiction. How do you know if the information you find online is accurate? 

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What is ‘flurona’ and why a Mayo Clinic expert says flu cases are rising

Flu cases are starting to rise across parts of the U.S. And that's concerning because fewer people are vaccinated for flu, compared to last year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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What’s the latest on monoclonal antibody therapies to treat COVID-19?

As COVID-19 continues to evolve and mutate quickly, so do treatment options. While the best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are vaccinations and booster vaccinations, several authorized treatments and preventive drugs, including monoclonal antibody therapies, are used to treat patients at different stages.

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How to decide what mask is best for you

When it comes to masks to slow the spread of COVID-19, many options are available. How do you decide what mask is right for you? Dr. John O'Horo, a Mayo Clinic infectious diseases specialist, provides a demonstration of various mask options available and how to properly wear them.

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E-cigarette users who test positive for COVID-19 are more likely to experience COVID-19 symptoms

ROCHESTER, Minn. — People who use electronic cigarettes and test positive for COVID-19 have a higher frequency of experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, compared to people who don't vape, according to new research from Mayo Clinic.

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Emergency departments are not for COVID-19 testing

If you need to test for COVID-19, Mayo Clinic health experts remind you not to go to the emergency department for testing. Emergency departments are for patients with life-threatening health care needs. 

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Mayo Clinic’s statement on the declaration of local emergency requiring masking in indoor spaces in Rochester

“The omicron variant and resulting surge in COVID-19 cases is challenging our health care system, schools, businesses, and community. Mayo Clinic appreciates the Declaration of Local Emergency requiring masking in indoor spaces in Rochester to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 during this surge. We have seen from prior waves of COVID-19 that masking correlates with decreased transmission. To further protect the community, Mayo Clinic urges people to get vaccinated and boosted to prevent severe illness. We are a healthier community when we help and support one another to ensure that all are safe during these challenging times, including people who are immunocompromised and children too young to be vaccinated.”

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Chantell Canfield

Chantell Canfield is a web content coordinator for Mayo Clinic Laboratories. She began working for Mayo Clinic in 2021.