Health

CDC: Fully vaccinated people can go maskless outside to exercise, dine, or socialize

The CDC released its first recommendations for "unmasking" fully vaccinated people outdoors. It's another early step, in the agency's eyes, toward resuming some facets of public life that were once deemed unsafe because of the pandemic, now that nearly 30% of the US is fully vaccinated, and infection rates are dropping.

FDA advisers sign off on Johnson & Johnson vaccine: Here's what happens next

An independent advisory panel of infectious disease experts, doctors and scientists voted unanimously to recommend the COVID-19 vaccine from Johnson & Johnson for emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration, a step closer to making a third COVID-19 vaccine available to Americans.

How Long Does Immunity Last After COVID-19? What We Know

Whether you’ve recovered from COVID-19, received the vaccine, or neither, understanding immunity and how long it lasts can help give you important insight into how you can interact safely with others during the pandemic.

For Some Teens, It’s Been a Year of Anxiety and Trips to the E.R.

For these teenagers, there aren’t many places to turn. They need help, but it’s hard to come up with a psychiatric diagnosis. They are trying to manage a surprise interruption in their lives, a vague loss. And without a diagnosis, reimbursement for therapy is hard to come by. And that is assuming parents know what kind of help is appropriate, and where to find it.

Everything old is new again: Repurposing drugs to treat Covid-19

When Covid-19 became a pandemic last year, the race was on to find any treatment that could help against the novel virus that gravely sickened and even killed some, while leaving others completely unscathed.

The Second COVID-19 Shot Is a Rude Reawakening for Immune Cells

Side effects are a natural part of the vaccination process. Not everyone will experience them. But the two COVID-19 vaccines cleared for emergency use in the United States, made by Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna, already have reputations for raising the hackles of the immune system

Safer Ways to Enjoy the Super Bowl

Gathering virtually or with the people you live with is the safest way to celebrate the Super Bowl this year. If you do have a small gathering with people who don’t live with you, outdoors is safer than indoors. This year, choose a safer way to enjoy the game.

Vaccinating America is easier said than done: 5 things to know about Biden's plan

President Joe Biden is out with a new 200-page COVID-19 national strategy aimed at turning around the pandemic, including an ambitious new effort to boost supply and set up vaccine storefronts across America.

What happens after you're vaccinated for COVID-19

With priority groups like front-line workers and doctors receiving their second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, and the prospect of vaccination for the general population on the horizon, many Americans may be wondering: What happens after I get vaccinated?

Which Americans can get a vaccine now? Here’s a look at the new guidance

Alex M. Azar II, the health secretary, urged all states to open up eligibility to everyone 65 and older and to adults of any age with medical conditions that put them at high risk of becoming seriously ill or dying from Covid-19.

Seasonal depression, pandemic combine for potentially dreary winter. Here's how to cope

This year, amid a pandemic that has experts warning of a growing mental health crisis, Wood said she has struggled more than ever with her depression that heightens in the dark months of winter.

Why you still need to wear a mask after getting COVID-19 vaccine

As the promise of a COVID-19 vaccine is fulfilled amid the rollout of the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines, the need to continue wearing masks, washing your hands and maintaining social distancing remains mission critical to protecting lives.

Fauci warns of post-Christmas surge in Covid infections

Dr. Anthony Fauci warned on Sunday that an already-rising tide of coronavirus infections may get another boost as Americans flock together for Christmas and New Year’s celebrations despite warnings from public health officials.

Where COVID-19 spreads most easily, according to experts

COVID-19 is a highly transmissible disease, but evidence shows that small indoor gatherings and households are where the novel coronavirus is spreading the fastest

You may feel lousy after getting the COVID vaccine. Experts say that's OK

The first shots in arms of the COVID-19 vaccine mark a major step towards post-pandemic normalcy. But their advent in turn prompts further scrutiny and concern over possible side effects. Public health officials warn you may feel COVID-like symptoms after your injection -- and that’s normal.

Pandemic insomnia is soaring: 5 tips on how to cope

An analysis of nearly 190,000 participants looked at the mental health of those affected by COVID-19 -- survivors, family members and health care workers -- and compared it against the general population under normal circumstances. What researchers found was disheartening. Depression, anxiety and PTSD rates are significantly worse than before the pandemic. But, worst of all is the climbing rate of insomnia.

COVID-19 vaccine: Answering the most common questions

With access to a vaccine so close, ABC News spoke to several experts about some of the most common questions people have about the COVID-19 vaccine.

‘Natural Immunity’ From Covid Is Not Safer Than a Vaccine

The primary advantage of a vaccine is that it’s predictable and safe. But what do we know about how the immunity from a prior infection compares with the protection given by the new vaccines? And what if you have already had Covid — is it safe to be vaccinated? We asked experts to weigh in on the latest evidence.

12 Ways to Have a Healthy Holiday Season

Brighten the holidays by making your health and safety a priority. Take steps to keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy - and ready to enjoy the holidays!

Boost your immune system for winter with food

ou are what you eat, experts say, and that includes foods that will help your body fight off infectious diseases this winter. (Think colds, flu and Covid-19.

Celebrating Thanksgiving

More than 1 million COVID-19 cases were reported in the United States over the last 7 days. As cases continue to increase rapidly across the United States, the safest way to celebrate Thanksgiving is to celebrate at home with the people you live with. Gatherings with family and friends who do not live with you can increase the chances of getting or spreading COVID-19 or the flu.

Early Data Show Moderna’s Coronavirus Vaccine Is 94.5% Effective

The drugmaker Moderna announced on Monday that its coronavirus vaccine was 94.5 percent effective, joining Pfizer as a front-runner in the global race to contain a raging pandemic that has killed 1.2 million people worldwide.

Pfizer, BioNTech say Covid vaccine is more than 90% effective — 'great day for science and humanity'

Pfizer and BioNTech announced Monday their coronavirus vaccine was more than 90% effective in preventing Covid-19 among those without evidence of prior infection, hailing the development as "a great day for science and humanity."

Mental health tips for thriving through adversity

Through all of these trying times, one can bounce back by implementing some universal tools that can help anyone facing adversity to move forward in hope and emerge victorious. These tools are very much relevant today especially during this pandemic.

Coronavirus Reinfections Are Real but Very, Very Rare

A case study published on Monday, about a 25-year-old man in Nevada, has stoked those fears anew. The man, who was not named, became sicker the second time that he was infected with the virus, a pattern the immune system is supposed to prevent. But these cases make the news precisely because they are rare.

Coronavirus Test Results Get Faster, But Still Too Slow To Help Slow Disease Spread

People are getting the results of coronavirus tests in the U.S. faster than they were in the spring, but testing still takes far too long to help with effective disease control measures such as contact tracing and quarantining, according to the results of a large national survey.

Experts project autumn surge in coronavirus cases, with a peak after Election Day

Infectious-disease experts are warning of a potential cold-weather surge of coronavirus cases — a long-feared “second wave” of infections and deaths, possibly at a catastrophic scale. It could begin well before Election Day, Nov. 3, although researchers assume the crest would come weeks later, closer to when fall gives way to winter.

COVID-19: How to Safely Enjoy Fall Activities

Like most things in 2020, fall will look and feel different this year compared to last. But with a little planning and caution, you can still enjoy some of fall’s signature activities during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Pfizer CEO says people who don't get vaccinated will become 'weak link' that allows coronavirus to spread

CEO Albert Bourla warned on Tuesday that people who don't take the Covid-19 vaccine will become a "weak link" that allows the coronavirus to spread; Pfizer is in late-stage testing for a potential inoculation.

New challenges in US battle against Covid-19 come with the approaching fall season

In efforts to avoid another surge of cases and hospitalizations similar to the ones that came after large Memorial Day and July 4 celebrations, many opted to ditch the crowds over the long weekend. Others weren't as cautious.

There's a legitimate way to end coronavirus vaccine trials early, Fauci says

A COVID-19 vaccine could be available earlier than expected if ongoing clinical trials produce overwhelmingly positive results, said Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease official, in an interview Tuesday with KHN.

All the Restaurants & Stores That Require Masks Right Now

Masks are increasingly part of the required actions in states and cities across the country as everyone does their part to prevent the rapid spread of COVID-19 in the United States. It's a really small thing people can do to protect others in their community. Stores and restaurants are increasingly mandating that everyone -- not just employees -- wear masks, even in areas where local governments aren't requiring face coverings.

Fauci says temperature checks not reliable

Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said Thursday that the White House and the National Institutes of Health have abandoned temperature checks as a screening tool. Especially on hot summer days, temperature checks aren't a reliable way to screen for infection, Fauci said.

Out of the Darkness

Author, Stephanie Mossi accepted the fact that the anxiety and depression she had been struggling with requiring treatment, and that she could begin navigating her way out of the darkness. Get a firsthand view of the thought processes and symptoms that can accompany mental health.

Why some people who haven't had Covid-19 might already have some immunity

The immune systems of some people who have not been exposed to the novel coronavirus could have some familiarity with the pathogen -- possibly helping to reduce the severity of illness if that person does get Covid-19, a new study suggests.

Researchers created a test to determine which masks are the least effective

Schools are reopening and outdoor dining is the new way to eat out. But despite the signs that life is returning back to normal, the coronavirus pandemic has gone nowhere. That's why a group of researchers at Duke University created a simple technique to analyze the effectiveness of various types of masks which have become a critical component in stopping the spread of the virus.

Dr. Fauci: Wear goggles or eye shields to prevent spread of COVID-19; flu vaccine a must

Dr. Anthony Fauci suggested Wednesday that Americans should consider wearing goggles or a face shield in order to prevent spreading or catching COVID-19. "If you have goggles or an eye shield, you should use it," the nation's top infectious disease expert told ABC News Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton during an Instagram Live conversation on ABC News.

'The challenges that labs are facing are complex': Why COVID-19 test results are so delayed

The enormous number of Americans getting swabbed for the coronavirus has overwhelmed every step of the COVID-19 testing process, creating shortages of critical supplies in laboratories and inundating them with more specimens than they can process.

COVID-19 Vaccine by 2021? Dr. Fauci is 'Cautiously Optimistic'

In an interview with Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci said he was "cautiously optimistic" that a vaccine for COVID-19 could be available by the end of the year.Fauci said multiple candidates for a viable vaccine were ready to move into clinical trials, beginning in July.

Face mask requirements: Can stores make you wear a mask? Do kids have to wear masks?

Businesses can require consumers to wear shirts, pants and shoes – but what about masks? Conflicts at businesses and viral videos of shoppers' tirades have erupted in recent weeks as coronavirus cases surge in 40 states and at least 21 states pause reopening plans.

How the Coronavirus Affects Kids

Early on in the pandemic, it seemed as if kids were spared the worst effects of the coronavirus. But in May, a mysterious illness that affected children and appeared to be linked to the virus emerged. As parents now look to send kids back to school and day care, how should they think about these risks? What do we now know about this new syndrome?

Coronavirus Live Updates: Demand for Testing Soars in U.S., Creating a New Crisis

In recent weeks, the demand for testing has soared, surpassing capacity and creating a new testing crisis. In many cities, officials said a combination of factors was now fueling the problem: a shortage of certain supplies, backlogs at laboratories that process the tests, and skyrocketing growth of the virus as cases climb in almost 40 states.

Airborne Coronavirus: What You Should Do Now

Scientists are increasingly concerned about tiny viral particles that may linger in the air. How to protect yourself from a virus that may be floating indoors? Better ventilation, for starters. And keep wearing those masks.

How blood type may affect your coronavirus risk

Recent studies have suggested that people's blood types may affect their risk of contracting the COVID-19 virus or developing a serious case of the disease. Overall, the findings indicate that people with Type O blood seem to be more protected and that those with Type A appear more vulnerable.

You tested positive for coronavirus antibodies, now what?

ABC News chief medical correspondent Dr. Ashton breaks down what we know so far about COVID-19 antibody testing.

Cheap Steroid Drug Helps to Reduce Coronavirus Deaths, ‘Breakthrough’ Study Finds

Dexamethasone, an inexpensive and widely-available steroid, helped save the lives of seriously-ill COVID-19 patients in a large, 6,000-person study conducted by researchers at the University of Oxford. The drug helped to reduce coronavirus-related deaths in people on ventilators by one-third, and by one-fifth in people on oxygen treatments.

Flushing the Toilet May Fling Coronavirus Aerosols All Over

A new study shows how turbulence from a toilet bowl can create a large plume that is potentially infectious to a bathroom’s next visitor.

Nail salons are reopening: Here’s what to know and how to stay safe

The coronavirus pandemic has led to many mandated lockdowns on non-essential businesses, as a result, nail salons nationwide have been closed for the last few months. This has taken a serious toll on many small business owners and their staff. Now, several states, including Colorado, Texas, Georgia, California and New York, have begun the road to recovery in reopening nail salons.

Tsunami or ripple? Forecasting the 2nd wave of coronavirus

As some states see declining COVID-19 cases and gradually reopen, infectious disease experts warn that a second wave of COVID-19 is inevitable, though the extent of the resurgence remains unclear. Some fear that easing restrictions and public disregard for preventative measures as time passes may make the second wave of cases greater than the initial burst.

WHO clarifies comments on asymptomatic spread of coronavirus: 'There's much unknown'

The World Health Organization tried to clear up confusing comments about how often people can spread the coronavirus when they do not have symptoms. The organization held a live Q&A to address questions that suggested asymptomatic people only rarely spread Covid-19.

5 Rules to Live By During a Pandemic

There’s no playbook for living through a pandemic, so we decided to create one. With some basic rules to guide you, everyone can lower risk and live a full life while we wait for the virus to get under control.

Bringing America Back: Vaccine timelines, reducing COVID-19 transmission and more to know

Bringing America Back is an ABC News feature that highlights the day's top stories in economic recovery and medical preparedness amid the coronavirus pandemic. Stay on top of the latest developments regarding states' social distancing measures, advancements in treatment of COVID-19 and more.

A Third of Americans Show Signs of Clinical Anxiety or Depression in the Wake of the Coronavirus

In the wake of the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, a third of Americans are showing signs of clinical anxiety and depression, according to new data collected by the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) in partnership with the Census Bureau.

if you are struggling with mild mental health issues, implore the 9-1-1 method

When you find yourself in an emergency situation, what do you do? You call for help, right? Most people dial 9-1-1. Mental health advocate, Stephanie Mossi gives you a 9-1-1 solution for mild mental health emergencies such as a panic attack, extremely disturbing thoughts, or a rampant thought process.

Coronavirus: How to navigate information on the pandemic

The outbreak of the novel coronavirus across the globe and resulting impact on the lives of billions of people has highlighted the necessity for accurate information relating to the devastating pandemic. To get some pointers, ABC News spoke with experts that focus on combating the spread of false information.

Japanese “Forest Bathing” Is the Anxiety Reliever You Need Right Now

Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries introduced it as a way to help people cope with overwork, economic hardship, and other modern-day stressors. It’s a healing practice, and a means to achieve greater wellbeing through nature. And as the world spins into a stressful new era, it might be more relevant now than ever.

F.D.A. Clears Another Coronavirus Testing Kit for Use at Home

The F.D.A. granted emergency clearance for a coronavirus testing kit that will enable individuals to take a nasal sample at home and send it to a laboratory for diagnostic testing. The kit, made by Everlywell, will contain a swab for individuals to use to take a sample from inside the nostrils, and a tube filled with a saline solution for sending to one of two private lab companies.

Working Out From Home In Quarantine Is Worth It For Your Mental Health

10 weeks in, you've drained the internet of all its exercise videos, and even when you've paid to join a new Zoom workout, you just don't have the mental energy to get started. As quarantine fatigue has set in, and you're falling out of your workout routine, you might find yourself sorely missing the mental health boosts from exercise.

These are the biggest mental health problems caused by quarantine, and 6 things you can do to prevent them

We can't get together with loved ones. We can't go to the gym. And we can't do many of the fun activities that help moderate our stress. It's the perfect recipe for mental health problems. So it's not surprising that researchers have discovered that quarantine can lead to a rise in mental illness.

Free Headspace Plus for the unemployed

The current state of unemployment in the US has become an alarming crisis. To help those affected, Headspace is offering a full year of Headspace Plus for free. Discover meditation and mindfulness tools to help you feel less stressed, more resilient, and kinder to yourself.