Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped how we travel—introducing new safety measures, health requirements, and uncertainties. Whether you’re traveling domestically or internationally, being informed and prepared is crucial to keeping yourself and others safe. This article provides up-to-date travel guidelines, including what to know before, during, and after your trip, as well as tips for minimizing COVID-19 risk while navigating the evolving landscape of global and local regulations. Why COVID-19 Travel Guidelines Still Matter While global vaccination efforts and treatments have improved outcomes, COVID-19 continues to circulate with new variants emerging. Travel increases your chance of exposure—especially in crowded airports,…
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Introduction While COVID-19 has impacted nearly every community across the globe, it has not affected everyone equally. Certain groups—often referred to as vulnerable or high-risk populations—face a significantly greater risk of severe illness, hospitalization, or death. Protecting these individuals is not just a personal or family responsibility—it’s a public health priority. This article outlines who is considered vulnerable, why they’re at higher risk, and the most effective strategies for safeguarding their health during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Who Are Considered Vulnerable Populations? Vulnerable populations include people who, due to age, underlying medical conditions, immune status, or social circumstances, are at…
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Introduction Accurate and timely COVID-19 testing has been one of the most important tools in managing the pandemic. Whether you’re feeling sick, preparing for travel, or checking after exposure, knowing the right type of test, when to take it, and how to interpret the results is key. This guide breaks down the main testing options—PCR and rapid antigen tests—explaining how they work, how accurate they are, and when each is most useful. Why Testing Still Matters Even as vaccines, treatments, and public immunity evolve, testing remains essential for: Types of COVID-19 Tests COVID-19 tests fall into two main categories: 1.…
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Introduction COVID-19 can range from mild to life-threatening. While many people recover at home with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medication, others may develop symptoms that require immediate medical attention. Knowing when to seek emergency care can save lives—especially for those at higher risk of complications. This guide outlines the key warning signs of severe COVID-19 and provides guidance on what to do if emergency care is needed. Understanding the Progression of COVID-19 COVID-19 symptoms typically appear 2 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. In most cases, people experience: For some individuals, symptoms gradually improve. However, others may experience…
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Introduction For many people, recovering from COVID-19 marks the end of a difficult but short-lived illness. However, a significant number continue to experience symptoms weeks or even months after the initial infection. This condition, commonly known as Long COVID or Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), affects millions worldwide. Understanding the nature of Long COVID, recognizing the signs, and knowing when and how to seek help are crucial for managing this often-debilitating condition. What Is Long COVID? Long COVID refers to a wide range of physical, neurological, and psychological symptoms that persist or appear after the initial COVID-19 infection —…
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Introduction As COVID-19 continues to evolve, so has the approach to treatment. One of the most effective and widely used antiviral medications for COVID-19 is Paxlovid, a prescription pill developed by Pfizer. Designed to reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death, Paxlovid has become an essential tool in managing the virus—especially for high-risk patients. This article explores what Paxlovid is, who should take it, how it works, its effectiveness, and what side effects to watch for. What Is Paxlovid? Paxlovid is an oral antiviral treatment that combines nirmatrelvir (a protease inhibitor that stops the virus from replicating) and…
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Introduction Most people who test positive for COVID-19 experience mild to moderate symptoms that can be safely managed at home. However, even a “mild” case can feel quite intense and uncomfortable — and it’s important to know how to care for yourself (or someone else) while also preventing the virus from spreading. This article explains how to treat COVID-19 at home, manage symptoms effectively, monitor for complications, and understand when to seek medical attention. What Are Mild to Moderate COVID-19 Symptoms? COVID-19 symptoms vary from person to person, but mild to moderate cases typically include: Common Mild Symptoms Moderate Symptoms…
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Introduction As the COVID-19 virus continues to evolve, so does our understanding of how best to protect against it. With newer variants like JN.1 and KP.3 circulating in 2025, vaccine guidance has been updated to match the changing landscape of viral transmission and immunity. This article explores the latest vaccine recommendations, including who should get vaccinated, when boosters are needed, and why it remains crucial — even as the acute crisis phase of the pandemic has passed. Why Updated Vaccine Guidance Is Needed The SARS-CoV-2 virus constantly mutates. Each mutation can affect: Because of this, vaccines must be updated periodically…
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Introduction Since its emergence in late 2019, the SARS-CoV-2 virus — the cause of COVID-19 — has continued to evolve. Each new variant brings changes in how the virus spreads, how sick it makes people, and how well vaccines or treatments work. While the worst phases of the pandemic have passed, COVID-19 remains a global health concern, particularly as new variants emerge. As of mid to late 2025, the global health community is closely monitoring several current COVID-19 variants that differ from previous strains. This article explores the latest variants, how they are spreading, what symptoms they cause, and their…