HEALTH

The U.S. Government Is Distributing Free N95 Masks Across the Country—Here's How to Claim Yours

Starting the last week of January, N95 masks from the Strategic National Stockpile will be free to people who know where to find them.

‘FDA Cleared’ vs. ‘FDA Approved’: What’s the Difference?

FDA approval and FDA clearance aren’t used for the same products—but they’re both valid messages to see on packaging.

COVID-19 home test kits can now be shipped right to your door.

PSA: You Can Now Order Free COVID-19 Home Tests From USPS

The test kits will be shipped free, with up to four available per household. It's all part of a federal program to help track and manage the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here's how to make sure your masks are legitimate.

How to Identify Counterfeit N95 Masks

Packaging that says "FDA approved" is a clear sign that your N95 face mask is fake. Here's how to identify the real thing.

How Long Do N95 Masks Last?

Are N95 masks reusable? It depends on a few factors—here’s how to tell when yours is ready to be replaced.

You can better assess your possible coronavirus symptoms with the CDC's online tool. Maybe do it before getting on a bus, though.

COVID Concerns? Use the CDC's Online Self-Checker to Assess Symptoms and Take Action

The CDC's online screening tool can help you differentiate between the variety of respiratory illnesses swarming the country this winter.

Watercolor drawing of the leg of a patient, age 50, who had scurvy for 12 months' standing.

11 Facts About Scurvy

Scurvy’s mysterious cause wasn’t identified until the 20th century. Here are a few facts from the disease's long and miserable history.

The CDC has advice for re-testing for COVID-19 after isolation.

Want to Re-Test Yourself for COVID-19 After Isolation? Here's What the CDC Recommends

Guidance around at-home testing before and after isolation for coronavirus is murky. The CDC is trying to fix that. Emphasis on trying.

Use This Tool to Check International COVID Restrictions Before Planning Your Next Trip

Before planning a trip in 2022, check the IATA's interactive map of current COVID-19 travel restrictions by country.

At-home COVID-19 testing can skew data about community spread of the virus.

Why You Should Report a Positive At-Home COVID-19 Test Result—and How to Do It

Self-administered coronavirus tests are hitting shelves, and it's important to know that a positive result should be reported to local health officials.

New Zealand Plans to Permanently Ban Cigarette Sales to Its Future Generations

A new law proposed in New Zealand would make it illegal for anyone younger than 14 in the year 2027 to ever buy cigarettes, effectively outlawing them for everyone as the population ages.

Catherine the Great (at getting vaccinated).

A Letter From Catherine the Great Extolling the Benefits of Vaccines Just Sold for More Than $1 Million

When it came to endorsing the smallpox vaccine, Catherine the Great led by example (and then by telling her subordinates to vaccinate their villages).

Pneumonia can take on various forms, most of which suck.

Pneumonia vs. Walking Pneumonia: What's the Difference?

A 'walking' form of any illness sounds promising, but there are some key differences between these two pneumonia diagnoses you should be aware of.

Sleep isn't always as easy as babies make it look.

8 Facts About Insomnia

Vincent van Gogh’s favorite cure for insomnia was camphor. Don’t try that at home (or anywhere), kids.

Is this Bloody Mary part of the problem or solution?

Can Drinking More Alcohol Cure a Hangover? The Truth Behind the Hair of the Dog

The hair of the dog is one of the oldest hangover cures still around today. But can it really save you from that pounding headache?

Why Do Car Rides Make You Feel Tired?

You're excited to set out on a road trip. By hour two, you're nodding off. The answer may have something to do with "highway hypnosis."

This Fashion Brand Lets Shoppers Choose How Much Money Goes to Charity for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Give back during Breast Cancer Awareness Month and save big during this Sleeper sale, which goes to support Kvitna, a breast cancer education charity.

Onions Are the Source of a Nationwide Salmonella Outbreak—Here’s What You Need to Know

Could your unlabeled onions contain salmonella? You don’t want to find out—better to throw them away.

James Gillray's 1802 cartoon depicted anti-vaxxers' predictions of the smallpox vaccine's effects.

8 of History's Most Misguided Anti-Vaxxers

Life-saving medical advances shouldn't be scary, but these notorious anti-vaxxers in history didn't get the memo.

Sunny D Isn't Orange Juice—Here's What It Really Is

The drink may be orange and it may be juice-like, but Sunny D isn't orange juice. After reading the ingredients list, you might never drink it with breakfast again.

New California Law Will Require Period Products to be Free In All Public Schools and Colleges Beginning in 2022

Starting in 2022, California's public colleges and schools grades six through 12 will be required to provide free pads and tampons to their students.

Those seeking both COVID-19 and flu shots this year can probably get them all at once.

Can I Get My Flu Shot and COVID Vaccine at the Same Time?

Winter is coming, and with it brings increased opportunity for respiratory viruses to spread. Here's what to know about getting COVID and flu shots in the same visit.

The World’s 10 Safest Cities

Based on public health, personal safety, and infrastructure, these are the safest cities in the world in 2021.

Thelma Sutcliffe, the Oldest Living American, Is Celebrating Her 115th Birthday

When Thelma Sutcliffe was born in 1906, Teddy Roosevelt was president, there were 45 states in the Union, and women were 14 years away from receiving the right to vote.

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