A lab-based study has found that a virus that causes the common cold can trigger an innate immune response against SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. In theory, infections with the common cold virus could inhibit the transmission of SARS-CoV-2…
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6 myths about tuberculosis
March 24 is World Tuberculosis Day, so in today’s edition of our Medical Myths series, we will focus on some of the misunderstandings associated with tuberculosis (TB). We cover the role of genetics, treatment, transmission, and more. TB is a…
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What happens after you quit smoking? A timeline
Cigarette smoking is one of the leading causes of preventable death in the United States, but quitting can be daunting. Many fear it will take a long time to see improvements in health and well-being, but the timeline for seeing…
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Stroke risk higher for COVID-19 patients who smoke or vape
A review suggests smoking and vaping could increase the severity of COVID-19 due to blood vessel damage and a higher risk of stroke. “There is a growing body of evidence to suggest that, as well as the respiratory symptoms of…
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How to breathe properly: Guide and tips
Breathing is usually an unconscious process. However, there are some optimal ways to breathe. This article looks at what happens inside a person’s body when they breathe. It also provides some tips and exercises for improving breathing efficiency. These are…
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Closing schools has only a minor role in suppressing COVID-19
A recent review of modeling studies and data from previous coronavirus outbreaks suggests that the educational, social, and economic costs of closing schools might outweigh the benefits. However, hard evidence is lacking. By April 13, 2020, a total of 192…
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Could a clot-busting drug help save the lives of those on ventilators?
A cycle of blood clotting and inflammation may contribute to the breathing difficulties of some COVID-19 patients. A forthcoming clinical trial will assess whether a type of drug already approved for the prevention of blood clots after a heart attack…
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