MEDICINE

Two doses of the coronavirus vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna are required for optimal protection.

What Happens If You Miss Your Second COVID-19 Vaccine Shot?

Two of the three vaccines with Emergency Use Authorization in the United States require two doses, and skipping the second isn't optional. Here's why.

The CDC has some additional advice that will make masks more effective against the spread of coronavirus.

CDC Updates Coronavirus Mask Guidance, Recommends Tight and Layered Coverings

The CDC's studies show that the risk of transmission for the coronavirus is significantly reduced when two parties are both wearing fitted and layered masks, echoing earlier recommendations from experts.

A medical professional does the vaccination; your body does the immunization.

Vaccination vs. Immunization vs. Inoculation: What's the Difference?

If we’re being pedantic here (and we are), ‘vaccination’ and ‘immunization’ shouldn't be used interchangeably.

6 Groundbreaking Facts About Elizabeth Blackwell, America’s First Woman Physician

When she graduated from medical school in 1849, Elizabeth Blackwell earned more than an M.D.: she also earned the distinction of becoming America’s first woman doctor.

Double-masking can offer additional protection.

Does Double-Masking for Coronavirus Protection Make Sense? We Asked an Expert

The practice of doubling up on masks has been gaining attention, but it's not new advice. An expert explains.

The Triumph of Death by Pieter Bruegel the Elder, circa 1562.

Quinto Tiberio Angelerio, the 16th-Century Doctor Who Mandated 6-Foot Social Distancing

COVID-19 restrictions are difficult, but at least we don’t have to carry 6-foot canes to make sure we’re properly social distancing.

Low Blow: How Can Martial Artists Get Hit in the Crotch Without Getting Hurt?

Ancient kung fu techniques seemingly allow experts to absorb groin strikes without flinching. Is it a trick, or are they just nuts?

A painting of Gouverneur Morris by Pierre Henri, 1798.

When a Founding Father Performed His Own Penis Surgery (And Then Died)

There are many weird ways to die. But Gouverneur Morris’s DIY whale-bone catheter might take the cake.

More Pfizer coronavirus vaccine doses are on the way.

The U.S. Will Get an Additional 100 Million Doses of Pfizer’s Coronavirus Vaccine

The deal will create a total of 200 million vaccine doses from Pfizer to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

Coronavirus vaccine shots are coming, but your place in line depends on a lot of different factors.

When Can You Get the COVID-19 Vaccine? This Interactive Tool Will Tell You

As states begin to get Pfizer's vaccine, certain groups will be prioritized. Here's who might be ahead of you in line.

How the Polio Epidemic of 1950 Gave Wytheville, Virginia, a 'Summer Without Children'

Seventy years ago, a polio epidemic swept through Wytheville, Virginia—and the town went on lockdown.

Starbucks is saying thank you in typical Starbucks fashion.

Starbucks Is Giving Free Coffee to Frontline COVID-19 Workers All Month Long

Starbucks is saying thank you to frontline workers helping the country through the coronavirus pandemic with the gift of free coffee throughout December.

Why Do Hospital Doctors Wear White Coats?

Doctors’ white coats became common in the late 19th century, but they’ve recently given rise to “white coat syndrome.”

Science is closer to understanding what prompts severe COVID-19 illness.

Scientists Come Closer to Understanding COVID-19 'Cytokine Storms'

The "cytokine storms" that precede severe illness in patients with COVID-19 has been poorly understood. New research has traced the risk of lung damage and organ failure to two key proteins that have the potential to be treated with drugs.

The race for an effective coronavirus vaccine is showing signs of real success.

Pfizer's Coronavirus Vaccine Appears 90 Percent Effective in Early Review

Pfizer's vaccine, which uses messenger RNA to instruct the body to mount a defense against the coronavirus, is showing highly promising results in the first real evidence of efficacy of any coronavirus vaccine trial.

President Woodrow Wilson photographed in good health.

When Woodrow Wilson Caught the 1918 Flu During a Pandemic, But Hid It From the Public

Woodrow Wilson never publicly acknowledged the 1918 influenza pandemic—not even after he caught the virus himself.

Whether you experience pain with a vaccine shot may depend on what type you're getting.

Why Do Some Vaccines Hurt More Than Others?

Some shots can barely be felt while others feel like you've been punched in the arm. Is it technique, the vaccine, or something else?

Iberia Airlines, Wikimedia Commons // CC BY 2.0

The Story Behind Eva Perón’s Secret Lobotomy

At the end of her life, Eva Perón was suffering from painful cancer and displaying erratic behavior, and her lobotomy may have been a way to treat both problems.

MDs and DOs are both reputable health care providers. The difference is one of philosophy.

MD vs. DO: What Is the Difference?

Some people are confused by the DO designation for health care providers, but it's not really so unusual.

Madame Restell as imagined in the March 13, 1847, edition of the National Police Gazette.

When 'The Wickedest Woman of New York' Lived on Fifth Avenue

When Ann Trow Sommers first arrived in New York City in 1831, she had no idea how notorious and vilified she’d soon become. In a matter of years, she’d craft a whole new identity for herself as Madame Restell, a prominent and wealthy abortionist.

It's not exactly the "safety in numbers" situation you might be imagining.

What Is Herd Immunity?

The facts on where it comes from, how it works, and whether it could happen with the novel coronavirus.

Read Roald Dahl’s Heartbreaking 1986 Letter About the Importance of Vaccinations

Two of Roald Dahl’s books are dedicated to his daughter, Olivia, who died from measles complications in 1962.

Getting your flu shot this year is more important than ever.

The Best Time to Get a Flu Shot in 2020, According to the CDC

July and August were too early for flu shots, but September and October? Just right, according to experts.

Kenya's Wangari Maathai isn't a household name, but she should be.

Meet Nina Chhita, the Artist Celebrating Diverse Female Scientists With Her Instagram Illustrations

From ‘Hidden Figure’ Katherine Johnson to female Nobel Laureates you may not have heard of, Nina Chhita's Instagram is giving us some important history lessons.

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