DISEASE

A 1910 postcard depicts the Modern Woodmen of America sanatorium in Colorado Springs, Colo.

The Tiny Tuberculosis Huts of Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs boasts fresh, dry air and abundant sunshine—just what tuberculosis patients of the late 19th century needed.

Dogs are being trained to sniff out the virus.

Virus-Sniffing Dogs Could Help Detect COVID-19 in Asymptomatic Patients

As early as this summer, disease-sniffing dogs may be used to screen for asymptomatic carriers of the novel coronavirus.

"You, there! Have you been vaccinated?" George Washington looks to be saying in this portrait.

One Vaccination, Under God: When George Washington Kept a Smallpox Epidemic From Costing Him the American Revolution

Smallpox vaccination was banned in America during the Revolutionary War, but George Washington was determined to protect his army no matter what.

Direct Relief is shipping masks and other personal protective equipment to healthcare institutions around the nation.

6 Charities Providing Coronavirus Relief—And How You Can Help

From Feeding America to the CDC Foundation, these charities are working hard to alleviate the effects of the pandemic across the nation.

Airborne vs. Aerosol vs. Droplet: What's the Difference?

The new coronavirus that causes COVID-19 can be transmitted through saliva droplets coughed into the air. Here's the terminology you need to know to understand its transmission.

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Drive-Thru Coronavirus Testing Site in Pennsylvania Amish Country Accommodates Horses and Buggies

Belleville, Pennsylvania, has a large Amish and Mennonite population, and a new coronavirus testing drive-thru is accommodating horses and buggies.

Coronavirus News Digest

The non-stop news about coronavirus and COVID-19 can cause a lot of anxiety. Here's our weekly digest of useful information, uplifting stories, and surprising tidbits to help you cope during the pandemic.

Stained-glass windows showing Saints Victor and Corona in Redeemer Church in Trentino, Italy.

Is St. Corona Really the Patron Saint of Pandemics, Epidemics, or Plagues?

The coincidence that Corona happens to be the patron saint of epidemics or infectious diseases seems a little fishy.

Rotavirus—from the Latin rota, for "wheel"—is named for the wheel-like appearance of its particles.

How Coronavirus and 31 Other Infectious Diseases and Viruses Got Their Names

‘Coronavirus’ is named for how it looks under a microscope, but that’s not the only way to name a virus or disease.

Prostock-Studio, iStock via Getty Images

Can't Find a Medical Thermometer? Use a Digital Meat Thermometer to Take Your Temperature

You can take your own temperature with a meat thermometer, just as long as you sanitize it properly.

SeanPavonePhoto, iStock via Getty Images

#WaffleHouseIndexRed: Waffle House Has Closed 365 Restaurants Across the Country

For people who use the Waffle House Index to gauge disasters, the novel coronavirus pandemic just got real.

Pornpak Khunatorn, iStock via Getty Images

12 Facts About Human Papillomavirus

Human papillomavirus is the leading cause of cervical cancer, but most people with HPV never show symptoms.

Mary Mallon, an unwitting typhoid carrier and unwilling hospital patient, in the early 1900s.

Super Spreader: The Strange Story of Typhoid Mary

Mary Mallon’s asymptomatic spreading of typhoid fever is a cautionary tale about the importance of washing your hands.

Isolation and health fears are affecting everyone.

8 Tips to Manage Your Coronavirus and Social Distancing Anxiety, According to an Expert

The current public health crisis and extended alone time caused by the coronavirus is raising anxiety levels all over. A psychologist has some advice that can help.

5 People Who Were Amazingly Productive In Quarantine

It's not a myth: William Shakespeare really did write 'King Lear' during the plague. From Edvard Munch to Isaac Newton, here are a few more people who made the most of being isolated.

Can Farts Spread Disease?

A couple of long-suffering scientists from Australia donated their time—and their gas—to figuring out whether farts can spread disease.

As long as you're careful, cleaning your laptop can be an easy DIY project.

How to Clean Your Germy Laptop in 4 Easy Steps

All it takes is a can of compressed air and a little homemade computer cleaner to keep coronavirus and other germs away from your laptop.

Coronavirus: 7 Ways You Can Help Your Community

Beyond practicing good hygiene and social distancing, you can help your community during the coronavirus outbreak in a number of ways.

It's fine to use a disinfectant wipe on your iPhone—just be gentle.

Apple Confirms That Cleaning Your Phone With a Disinfectant Wipe Is Totally Fine

Your phone is one the filthiest things you own, but cleaning it is as easy as wiping it down with a disinfectant wipe.

Coronavirus precautions have led to questions over methods of isolation.

Isolation vs. Quarantine: What's the Difference?

Viral outbreaks often necessitate patient isolation or quarantine. But what separates each separation?

Wash Your Hands to Your Favorite Songs With This Website

Washing your hands for at least 20 seconds is the best way to protect yourself from coronavirus. If you're looking for a way to pass that time, this tool can help.

The Psychological Reason Coronavirus Is Prompting People to Hoard Toilet Paper

Of all the personal essentials needed in the event of a national health concern, why are people stocking up on Charmin?

To some people with asthma, these albuterol inhalers are literal life-savers.

The FDA Has Approved the First Generic Albuterol Inhaler for Asthma

At last, people with asthma will be able to buy potentially life-saving medicine without breaking the bank.

8 Ways You Can Prepare for a Coronavirus Outbreak

The CDC warns that Americans should start preparing for a coronavirus outbreak. Here's what you should know to keep yourself and your community safe.

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