COVID-19 can do some pretty scary things to the human heart. It can trigger blood clots in severe cases and cause inflammation and scarring.
Of all frightening ways that the SARS-COV-2 virus affects the body, one of the more insidious is the effect of COVID-19 on the brain.
A close friend – let’s call him John – recently called, asking for advice. He woke up with severe muscle aches and fatigue. Understandably worried that it could be COVID-19, he asked whether he should go to work, run to get a test or stay home.
I live in a democracy. But as Thanksgiving approached, I found myself longing for the type of freedom I am seeing in China.
Adults with the healthiest sleep patterns in a new study had a 42% lower risk of heart failure regardless of other risk factors compared to adults with unhealthy sleep patterns.
As the northern hemisphere moves into winter, coronavirus rates are rising in parts of Europe and the USA. Experts are warning of a long winter ahead as COVID-19 and influenza put the squeeze on hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
- By Eldre Beukes
We learn more about the effects of COVID-19 on our health every day. We now know that contracting the coronavirus SARS-COV-2 can have a long-term impact on our heart and lungs, and the infection can even persist for months in some people.
- By Adam Taylor
Almost all of us will complain of being cold at some point, especially as lower temperatures arrive. But some people feel cold no matter the weather – and there are a number of reasons why this might be case.
Ten decibels more daytime neighborhood noise is associated with 36% higher odds of mild cognitive impairment and 30% higher odds of Alzheimer’s disease, according to a new study.
- By Simon Bratt
For many people, using a substance can be the way they cope – or mask mental health difficulties. Asking them to stop using drugs or alcohol means taking away their coping strategy and without immediate support it’s likely that person will return to using substances to cope with psychological distress.
Smoking is the most common cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, an often fatal respiratory condition that afflicts millions of Americans. But for many patients living with COPD, stopping smoking isn’t the end of the battle.
- By Sarah Pitt
Many countries ended their full lockdowns at the start of the summer, but it wasn’t until the autumn that most places began to see a significant increase in the spread of the virus again.
- By Duncan Banks
Neuroplasticity – or brain plasticity – is the ability of the brain to modify its connections or re-wire itself. Without this ability, any brain, not just the human brain, would be unable to develop from infancy through to adulthood or recover from brain injury.
- By Lena Ciric
Many of us rely on public transport to get to work, school, and to meet friends and family. But in the time of COVID-19 is it safe to use these vehicles and is there a difference between them?
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) affects up to 24m people, globally, but little is known about its causes. Our latest study unravels some of this mystery. The results suggest that an overactive immune system may trigger this long-term condition.
- By U. Michigan
How can you tell if you have a cold, the flu, or COVID-19? An expert offers advice for those worried sick about their symptoms.
Men in jobs with hard physical work have a higher risk of developing dementia compared to men doing sedentary work, new research reveals.
- By Ryan Malosh
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has new guidance clarifying what exactly “close contact” means when it comes to transmission of SARS-Cov-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and objects (such as door handles) can help prevent the spread of infectious diseases. This is more relevant now than ever.
Around the world, virologists in labs are constantly handling samples of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, as part of our global quest to understand, and hopefully overcome, this pandemic.
Most scientists agree that stringent control measures, involving efficient contact tracing, testing and isolation, together with social distancing and mask wearing, are required to limit the spread of SARS-CoV-2.
- By Gordon Dent
Donald Trump’s brief stay in hospital in early October 2020 raised awareness – once again – of the variety of treatments being investigated for COVID-19.
- By Adam Taylor
The human hand is remarkable. Not only does it allow us to throw, grab, climb and pick things up, it can also be a measure of health.