Medical Treatments

The U.S. Strategic National Stockpile was started in 1999 to prepare for certain threats to national security. It includes about $8 billion worth of vaccines, medicine, protective gear, ventilators and other kinds of medical equipment.

Why Even A Huge Medical Stockpile Will Be of Limited Use Against COVID-19

10:10am March 14, 2020

by Nell Greenfieldboyce

The U. S. has an $8 billion stockpile of emergency medical supplies that is the envy of the world. But the vast collection will be of only limited use in the fight against the new coronavirus.

Health & Safety

In A Breakthrough, Food And Drug Administration Approves New Coronavirus Test

8:05pm March 13, 2020

by Richard Harris

Testing for the coronavirus could ramp up quickly now that a major pharmaceutical company has approval for its test. Those who are eligible will be able to drive through one of many testing centers.

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Health & Safety

Living With Immunosuppression During The Coronavirus Outbreak

4:18pm March 13, 2020

NPR's Ailsa Chang speaks with Kevin Brennan, who has an autoimmune disease and is vulnerable to infection, about what he's doing to protect himself and his family from coronavirus.

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New Review Finds Alcoholics Anonymous Is Effective, But Not For Everyone

4:18pm March 12, 2020

by Deborah Becker

Alcoholics Anonymous may be just as good or better than scientifically proven treatments to help people quit drinking, according to a new review. But AA still doesn't work for everyone.

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The test for the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 isn't simple, like the ones for the flu, strep or pregnancy. The current kits are configured more for a research lab than a hospital.

No Guarantee You'll Get Tested For COVID-19, Even If Your Doctor Requests It

6:28pm March 11, 2020

by Richard Harris

There's still a big gap between what the federal government is promising in terms of testing capacity in the U.S. and what state and local labs can deliver.

Early symptoms of COVID-19 are much the same as those of the flu or a cold. Don't panic. Call your doctor to check in, if you're worried, but treating mild or moderate symptoms at home until you're well will protect you and help stop the spread of whateve

You Have A Fever And A Dry Cough. Now What?

2:16pm March 11, 2020

by Selena Simmons-Duffin

Whether your mild or moderate symptoms mean you have a cold, the flu, or COVID-19 doesn't change the medical advice right now. Stay home, rest, and call or email your doctor if symptoms worsen.

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Pharmacist Raphael Lynne gives a flu shot in Miami in 2018. This year's vaccination against influenza has been reducing infections by "about 40 to 50 percent," says Emily Martin, an epidemiologist with the University of Michigan School of Public Health.

U.S. Flu Season Beginning To Ease, Modelers Say

6:05pm March 09, 2020

by Joe Palca

Though COVID-19 has captured the headlines, influenza places a huge burden on the health care system. This year's flu shot provides good protection, the CDC says, so do get one if you haven't already.

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In light of the spread of COVID-19, some U.S. health insurers have begun to allow patients to order a larger emergency supply of their routine medicines for diabetes, heart disease and other chronic conditions.

Health & Safety

How To Boost Your Emergency Supply Of Prescription Medicines

4:19pm March 09, 2020

by Patti Neighmond

Insurers have begun easing restrictions on refills of some prescription drugs, in light of coronavirus. Still, co-pays for stocking up on that bigger supply can be prohibitive, say consumer advocates.

After a coronavirus test came back positive on a patient who had been treated at NorthBay VacaValley Hospital in Vacaville, Calif., in February, about 100 NorthBay workers were sent into self-quarantine for 14 days.

Scarcity Of Health Workers A New Concern As Self-Quarantining Spreads With Virus

12:45pm March 09, 2020

by Jenny Gold

Should "potential exposure" by a health worker to someone with coronavirus be enough to send that worker home for two weeks of self-quarantine? Health systems have begun debating relative risks.

President Trump signs an $8.3 billion emergency spending bill in the White House Friday. That's significantly more than he originally requested from Congress.

Where That $8.3 Billion In U.S. Coronavirus Funding Will And Won't Go

1:33pm March 07, 2020

by Selena Simmons-Duffin

President Trump and Congress Friday authorized a package of emergency funding to help and treat and slow the spread of COVID-19. About $950 million is designated for state and local response.

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