Health Library
The Health Library is a collection of health and wellness resources created for learning and accessibility. Select a topic below for related health information or search for a topic in the search bar for more information on other medical conditions.
Coronaviruses
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This article helps readers understand when a home pulse oximeter is helpful for people who have COVID-19 and how to use it.
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You're probably spending a lot of time in your home these days. And that's one place where you have some control. Here are some tips that can help keep you and your home safe from COVID-19. Practice prevention. Wash your hands well and often. Scrub with soap and water for 20 seconds. If you go out...
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It's normal to feel worried during times of stress. Many people struggle with anxiety in the best of times. Here are some steps you can take to manage anxiety and lower your stress. Get the facts. Go to trusted sources. Check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at cdc.gov...
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Learn about ways to show care and compassion to yourself.
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Learn ways to exercise at home during the pandemic.
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This article helps you learn how to handle stress in your relationship.
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Learn some ways to manage family stress.
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This article helps parents learn how to lower stress during the pandemic.
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Learn how to overcome barriers to wearing a mask.
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Learn some tips for helping to manage money problems.
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Learn some new tips for having date night at home during the pandemic.
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Learn about the vaccine for COVID-19.
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Learn what effects COVID-19 may have on the body long after recovery.
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This article covers the basics of COVID-19, including common symptoms, treatment, the course of the disease, and how to care for yourself.
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Find out what COVID-19 is, how it's spread, its symptoms, and how to protect yourself and others.
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Learn how to take care of yourself if you have COVID-19 and find out ways to prevent spreading it to others.
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Learn how to take care of yourself if you have been exposed to COVID-19 and find out ways to prevent spreading it to others.
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Learn what social distancing means and why it's important to keep your distance.
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Discover things you can do to while keeping a social distance.
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Learn the 5 steps to hand-washing.
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The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is caused by a virus. It is an illness that was first found in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. It has since spread worldwide. The virus can cause fever, cough, and trouble breathing. In severe cases, it can cause pneumonia and make it hard to breathe without help. It can cause...
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During the coronavirus outbreak, learn what to do if you do if you feel sick.
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Stigma is a negative feeling based on a belief about a group of people. Stigma often occurs when there's a disease outbreak. It's a common human reaction to look for someone to blame when we feel afraid. In the case of COVID-19, some people have blamed it on people of Asian descent or people who have traveled. Some...
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When experts make a graph of the first wave of COVID-19 infections, it shows a flat line that curves sharply upward, like a ramp at a skateboard park. A steep curve means the virus is spreading fast. That's because each infected person spreads the disease to more than just one other person. Then each of those people...
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Social distancing means putting space between yourself and other people. The recommended distance is 6 feet, or about 2 meters. This also means staying away from any place where people may gather, such as parks or other public gathering places. Social distancing is the best way to reduce the spread of COVID-19...
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Many parents are asking, "What are the best ways to protect my child from the virus?" Here are the most powerful steps you can take to protect yourself and your family. Wash hands well and often. Everyone in your household needs to do this. Wash your hands well with soap and water for at least 20...
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Social distancing is the best way to help keep COVID-19 from spreading. Here are some things you can do while you're putting space between yourself and other people. Be active outside. Fresh air and exercise are good for you. But stay informed about what's best for your community. Keep a 6-foot (or...
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Find out if you could be at higher risk for COVID-19 and learn how to stay safe.
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The need to stay at home and limit contact with others is important right now, but it can be lonely and isolating. Loneliness can take a toll on both our mental and physical health. Try these tips to stay connected and positive.
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There are things you can do to protect your health and the health of your baby. If you're pregnant Pregnancy causes changes in the body that may raise the risk for some infections. Pregnant women are more likely to get seriously ill from respiratory infections, like the flu. So it's important to try to avoid...
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COVID-19 causes a mild illness in many people who have it. But certain things may increase your risk for more serious illness. These include: Age. The risk increases with age. Older adults are at highest risk. Smoking. Obesity. Living in a long-term care facility. Having ongoing serious...
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Most people who get COVID-19 will recover with time and home care. Here are some things to know if you're caring for someone who's sick. Treat the symptoms. Common symptoms include a fever, coughing, and feeling short of breath. Urge the person to get extra rest and drink plenty of fluids to replace...
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Stay home. If you've been exposed, you should stay in quarantine for at least 14 days. Ask your doctor when it's safe to end your quarantine. Don't go to school, work, or public areas. And don't use public transportation, ride-shares, or taxis unless you have no choice. Leave your home only if you need to get...
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Stay home. Don't go to school, work, or public areas. And don't use public transportation, ride-shares, or taxis unless you have no choice. Leave your home only if you need to get medical care. But call the doctor's office first so they know you're coming. And wear a cloth face cover. Ask before leaving...
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This is a very stressful time. You may be worried about getting COVID-19 or afraid that someone you care about will get it. If you've lost your job, you may be anxious about your finances. On top of that, you're probably stuck at home. Cabin fever can set in. You may feel trapped, bored, and irritable. Cabin fever...
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A COVID-19 viral test is a way to find out if you have COVID-19. The test looks for the virus in your breathing passages. There are different types of viral tests. One type looks for genetic material from the virus. This is usually called polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Another type looks for proteins on the...
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An antibody test looks for antibodies in the blood. These are proteins that your immune system makes, usually after you're exposed to germs like viruses or bacteria or after you get a vaccine. Antibodies work to fight illness. A COVID-19 antibody test looks for antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes...
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Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a rare but serious condition. It causes inflammation, which can affect the heart, lungs, brain, and other organs. A child usually has a fever for 24 hours or longer, plus other symptoms. These can vary, but...
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This article describes the measures that health care providers take to help ensure your safety as well as steps you can take to reduce your risk of infection in the hospital or clinic.
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Learn how to wear a cloth face cover or a mask to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
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Learn three reasons why you shouldn't try to get infected with COVID-19 on purpose.
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Learn about the risk levels for getting infected or infecting others with COVID-19 during different activities.
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Learn the difference between symptoms of the flu and COVID-19.
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This topic helps readers assess whether they may have a drinking problem.
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Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) is an illness that was first found in Saudi Arabia in 2012 and has since spread to other countries. It's caused by a type of coronavirus that can cause a moderate to severe upper respiratory illness such as the common cold. The virus is known as MERS-CoV. Experts believe MERS may...