It has spread across the globe in just a few short months, sickening hundreds of thousands, but the new coronavirus has the dubious distinction of not really being a living organism, biologists say. “Viruses aren’t considered alive — in class, I call them pseudo-alive,” said Eric Mendenhall, an associate professor of biological sciences at the…  read on >

(HealthDay News) — Senate leaders reached agreement early Wednesday on a $2 trillion stimulus package to bolster the U.S. economy as the country battles coronavirus. The unprecedented legislation will send $1,200 checks to many Americans, create a $367 billion loan program for small businesses and set up a $500 billion fund for industries, cities and…  read on >

Smokers and vapers who get COVID-19 can probably expect a more severe infection, health experts warn. Many advisories have focused on the risk facing older people, those with chronic conditions such as diabetes, and people with compromised immune systems, such as cancer patients. But doctors also caution that users of electronic cigarettes and tobacco are…  read on >

(HealthDay News) — As the United States witnessed its deadliest day yet of the coronavirus pandemic on Monday, more than 100 million Americans — nearly 1 in 3 — have now been ordered by their state’s governors to stay home. More than 46,000 COVID-19 cases have been confirmed, with 100 new deaths reported on Monday…  read on >

The new coronavirus continues its steady march through the U.S. population, bringing with it a second plague: potentially dangerous myths and rumors about COVID-19, spread via the internet. You may have already heard some of these coronavirus myths, which, if subscribed to, could at best mean wasted effort or — at worst — make you…  read on >

Everyone is learning to deal with the threat of the new coronavirus, but for people with cancer, the virus is even more concerning. Cancer can increase people’s risk of catching the coronavirus. It increases the odds of complications from the infection, too. “Patients with cancer are at a higher risk, especially if treatment is active…  read on >

The coronavirus pandemic has caused a worldwide shift in the way people live, placing many in self-imposed exile to prevent the spread of the contagion. But it’s important to remember that four of every five infected people will have mild symptoms, perhaps so mild as to not be noticeable, experts note. “About 80% of people…  read on >

(HealthDay News) — As the number of known U.S. coronavirus cases soared past 34,000 and the death count eclipsed 400 on Sunday, President Donald Trump approved disaster declarations for regions hit hardest by the pandemic, activating the National Guard in three states. The declarations will bring supplies, medical stations and naval hospital ships to New…  read on >