Antibody tests can show how common COVID-19 is. Once scientists know who has had the virus, they can find out how sick it makes most people. And they can study what happens if people who've had it are exposed to it again. When paired with other scientific information, this can help researchers understand who might be immune to the virus.

The hope is that people with antibodies to COVID-19 can safely get back to work, and normal life, quicker.

These tests may also help with an experimental treatment for COVID-19 called convalescent plasma. Plasma is the liquid part of your blood.

Researchers are studying how antibodies in plasma donated by people who’ve recovered from COVID-19 might help those who are ill with the virus. One theory is that…

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As South Florida’s hospitals continued to grapple with COVID-19-related hospitalizations and deaths, Florida’s politicians are plotting a path to reopen society without reigniting the outbreak that has forced schools, businesses, and transit hubs into a prolonged lockdown.

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Wednesday that, with social-distancing measures on track to prevent an overwhelming spike in cases, he would establish a task force to help map Florida’s return to normalcy. He made the announcement as the state released new information showing more than 22,000 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and at least 614 deaths — including 359 in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Monroe counties.

“It obviously is prudent to start thinking about and planning…

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Today, April 16th, Florida saw its third day of relatively low novel coronavirus confirmations since late March. The state has not seen two consecutive days of newly reported cases under 1,000 since March 29.

Wednesday evening, the Florida Department of Health confirmed 891 additional cases of COVID-19 and 43 new deaths statewide since Tuesday night. The state’s total number of confirmed cases jumped to 22,519, while the state’s death toll grew to 614.

The drop in the number of coronavirus cases being reported may be due to Florida significantly underreporting the state’s COVID-19 testing backlog.

The state reports only the number of Floridians waiting to hear test results from state labs, not private ones — and private labs are completing…

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Based on available information, pregnant people seem to have the same risk as adults who are not pregnant.

However, we do know that:

  • Pregnant people have changes in their bodies that may increase their risk of some infections.

  • Pregnant people have had a higher risk of severe illness when infected with viruses from the same family as COVID-19 and other viral respiratory infections, such as influenza.

  • Avoid people who are sick or who have been exposed to the virus.

  • Clean your hands often using soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.

Pregnant people should protect themselves from COVID-19

Risks to the pregnancy and to the baby

…

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People can catch COVID-19 from others who have the virus. The disease can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales. These droplets land on objects and surfaces around the person. Other people then catch COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. People can also catch COVID-19 if they breathe in droplets from a person with COVID-19 who coughs out or exhales droplets. This is why it is important to stay 6 feet or more away from people when in public places.

Can the virus that causes COVID-19 be transmitted through the air?

Studies to date suggest that the virus that causes COVID-19 is mainly transmitted…

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For many, working out is a way to keep both mentally and physically healthy. It’s more than a way to keep in shape, it’s also a chance to spend excess energy, release endorphins, and improve your mood.

It’s been weeks since South Florida gyms have temporarily closed down due to the coronavirus pandemic. While in the grand scheme of things not having access to the gym is far from a “big deal,” it has left many looking for new ways to maintain all the benefits they usually get from going to the gym. Thankfully, there is equipment and a number of apps you can use to workout socially while still maintaining responsible social distance. Here are a few of the best.

Peloton

Cost: $2,245 for the Peloton bike. $39 per month for the all-access Peloton…

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Based on current information and clinical expertise, older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

Those at high-risk for severe illness from COVID-19 include:

  • People aged 65 years and older

  • People who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility

  • Other high-risk conditions could include:

  • People with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma

  • People who have serious heart conditions

  • People who are immunocompromised including cancer treatment

  • People of any age with severe obesity (body mass index [BMI] >40) or certain underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled,…

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As communities across the United States take steps to slow the spread of COVID-19 by limiting close contact, people are facing new challenges and questions about how to meet basic household needs, such as buying groceries and medicine and completing banking activities. The following information provides advice about how to meet these household needs in a safe and healthy manner.

Shopping for food and other household essentials

Stay home if sick.

Avoid shopping if you are sick or have symptoms of COVID-19, which include a fever, cough, or shortness of breath.

Order online or use curbside pickup.

Order food and other items online for home delivery or curbside pickup (if possible).

Only visit the grocery store, or other stores selling…

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Good nutrition is crucial for health, particularly in times when the immune system might need to fight back. Limited access to fresh foods may compromise opportunities to continue eating a healthy and varied diet. It can also potentially lead to increased consumption of highly processed foods, which tend to be high in fats, sugars, and salt. Nonetheless, even with few and limited ingredients, one can continue eating a diet that supports good health.

According to the WHO, you should abide by the following guidelines:

Make a plan

Multiple cases of over-purchasing have been observed throughout the WHO European Region. Panic buying behavior may have negative consequences, such as an increase in food prices, overconsumption of food and unequal…

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For parents around the country, the coronavirus pandemic has created a unique and difficult situation. If you have kids, you are likely having to adapt your routine around their schooling schedules. This can be especially difficult if you are working a demanding job from home or if you are an ‘essential’ worker still going in every day.

But there are things you can do to not only get through this situation, but also to make it an educational and even enjoyable experience for your kids. This includes patiently doing hand-on learning with them as well as coming up with activities and fun things for them to do in-between their virtual classes. If your kids are bored, here are a few fun activities that they are sure to enjoy.

Scavenger Hunt

A…

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