Ask COVID Health

How much sleep do I need each night?

Getting enough sleep provides improves your mood, helps maintain a healthy weight and may boost your immune system.

How can I tell if I have a cold, the flu or COVID-19?

These three respiratory illnesses—and others—share many of the same symptoms.

Should I get an annual flu shot?

Influenza is a serious illness that can cause death, and the vaccine is the best way to avoid getting the flu.

How much alcohol can I safely drink?

Experts recommend no more than two drinks for men or one drink for women per day.

Who should receive COVID-19 vaccine boosters?

Older and immunocompromised people and those with underlying health conditions could benefit most from additional shots.

Can an aspirin a day prevent heart attacks and strokes?

Some studies suggest aspirin therapy may also help lower the risk of colorectal cancer.

How important is it to walk 10,000 steps a day?

People who sit less and do any amount of physical activity gain some health benefits.

What are the recommended cancer screening tests?

The early cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat.

What are the health consequences of overweight and obesity?

Excess weight, which is often linked to metabolic abnormalities, can contribute to a wide variety of health problems.

Mutations, variants, strains? How are viruses classified?

Mutations can affect how viruses behave and how well drugs and vaccines work.

Antibodies attacking SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19

How long does COVID-19 immunity last?

Long-lived memory immune cells continue to provide protection even after antibody levels drop.

What are the latest diet and nutrition guidelines?

New guidelines recommend focusing on healthy foods but don’t restrict added sugars or alcohol as much as some experts had hoped.

Who can safely receive COVID-19 vaccines?

People with HIV, people with cancer and pregnant people can be vaccinated against the coronavirus.

How does COVID-19 affect people living with HIV?

Disruptions in prevention and care could threaten progress toward ending the HIV epidemic.

How much exercise do I need?

Try to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity every week.

How do B cells and T cells work to fight disease?

Different types of white blood cells provide protection against infections and cancer.