10 Expert COVID-19 Tips to Follow in 2021

Key advice you should still use, and continue to share, in the new year.

1:15 PM

Author | Johanna Younghans

collage of people and words
Credit: Andrea Scafasci

Editor's note: Information on the COVID-19 crisis is constantly changing. For the latest numbers and updates, keep checking the CDC's website. For the most up-to-date information from Michigan Medicine, visit the hospital's Coronavirus (COVID-19) webpage.

While the world waves ta-ta to 2020 and looks forward to 2021, a lot of advice and information from doctors and researchers you've learned over the last 12 months will remain vital as society continues to brave the ongoing pandemic.

Although remarkable strides in the fight against the COVID-19 outbreak have been made, specialists are still urging that everyone remain just as cautious and vigilant in 2021, whether you've been vaccinated or not.

Here, Michigan Health rounds up 10 articles from the last year to help individuals and families navigate the upcoming months ahead:

1. 4 Mask Myths That Put You at Risk

There's no arguing science: one of the easiest and most effective ways to limit the spread of COVID-19 is by wearing a mask. But, still wary, or know someone who's still doubtful? An infection prevention specialist debunks popular myths, weighing in with the scientific truth behind each one you've heard.

2. How to Keep COVID-19 From Invading Your "Pod" – and How to Stay Safe if It Does

"Pods" became a popular term over the last year, referring to small groups of people who agree to socialize together during the pandemic. Keep following these important tips to keep your circle safe and know what to do if someone in the group does get infected.

3. 4 Ways to Be a Savvy News Consumer in a Pandemic

A constant stream of coronavirus news will continue into 2021. You'll need to be sure the information you're getting is accurate and up-to-date, and these four tips will show you how. You can also check out this free Coronavirus Powersearching class created by Michigan Medicine's Lawrence An, M.D., the co-director of the Rogel Cancer Center's Center for Health Communications Research, and a Google research scientist, designed to show users how to collect correct information from a variety of different medical websites and much more.

4. Cold, Flu or COVID-19? Here's How to Tell the Difference

While a sore throat used to seem like no big deal, this winter and flu season has everyone second-guessing. Worried you might have COVID? Check out this interview with Michigan Medicine's Laraine Washer, M.D., to check yourself, and always call your doctor if you have more questions.

5. 14 Things to Do If Someone You Live with Has COVID-19

Unfortunately, with continuing community spread, someone close to you may end up getting sick. Follow these ground rules to help a family member or roommate cope, while protecting yourself and others (you can reference this "how to care with someone with COVID" video, too.)

6. 12 Things to Know About COVID-19 and Pregnancy

COVID and pregnancy are a stressful combination for any family. Roger Smith, M.D., who assists in overseeing labor and delivery policies during the pandemic at Michigan Medicine, walks through your most pressing concerns about the virus and being pregnant.

7. 8 Ways to Help Teens Cope with Social Distancing Blues

Missing prom season and graduation can be devastating to teenagers who feel they'll never get to experience those significant life events. Terrill Bravender, M.D., M.P.H., the chief of adolescent medicine at Michigan Medicine C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, offers advice to help older kids cope with the impact of social distancing.

8. Is Stress from COVID-19 Upsetting Your Stomach? 7 Self Comfort Tips to Try

Yes, that stomachache, indigestion or heartburn you're feeling is real, and could be triggered by emotional stress brought on by the COVID-19 outbreak, experts explain. Try tackling these bodily side effects by following this gastroenterologist and clinical health psychologist's recommendations.

9. 5 Ways to Manage Your Mental Health During COVID-19

The pandemic may feel endless, but there is a hopeful end in sight with vaccine availability now. In the meantime, follow this wellness expert's guidance on how to protect your emotional well-being during the pandemic.

10. Feeling Helpless as the Pandemic Continues? 26 Things You Can Do to Help

Feel like there's nothing you can control in your life these days? You're not alone. Here's what you can do now, and over the next few months, to help yourself and your community.


More Articles About: Wellness & Prevention Covid-19 Community Health Hospitals & Centers Wellness and Prevention Lungs and Breathing Children's Health Mental Health infectious disease
Health Lab word mark overlaying blue cells
Health Lab

Explore a variety of healthcare news & stories by visiting the Health Lab home page for more articles.

Media Contact Public Relations

Department of Communication at Michigan Medicine

[email protected]

734-764-2220

Stay Informed

Want top health & research news weekly? Sign up for Health Lab’s newsletters today!

Subscribe
Featured News & Stories supar molecule teal blue yellow red
Health Lab
Immune protein suPAR links viral infection as possible cause kidney disease
Through a series of experiments in non-human primates, mice and humans, a multi-institutional team led by researchers from Michigan Medicine and Rush University found that the immune protein soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor, or suPAR, is an important link between viral infections and proteinuria; the elevation of protein in the urine is known to cause glomerulopathy, a common form of kidney disease.
woman listening to different shadow windows of people saying different things about kids
Health Lab
Parents of young kids increasingly turn to social media for parenting advice
A C.S. Mott Children's Hospital health poll found most mothers and over two-thirds of fathers of children ages 0-4 use social media for questions on topics like feeding and behavior challenges.
physician talking to patient with lab researcher in background
Health Lab
Older adults left out of clinical research trials
Including older adults in research can be beneficial, explains a Michigan Medicine research, who says more should, and can be, done to have their insights.
older woman on phone with credit card in hand
Health Lab
Health plays a role in older adults' vulnerability to scams
Most older adults have faced an attempted scam, and some have been defrauded, but rates were higher among those with health problems or disabilities.
mom child and doctor smiling by tree
Health Lab
A diabetes device that makes a lot of “Sense”
Living with diabetes at such a young age comes with challenges, but those challenges have inspired Jackson, now 8 years old, to come up with ways for people like him to live a little easier with a new device called "SensePod".
human organ for transplant
Health Lab
Findings shed light on how a pediatric heart surgery complication impacts heart transplant survival
Patients who experience this condition following the Fontan continue to have a high risk of death from the time they’re waitlisted for a new heart through receiving the transplant, according to a 20-center study led by Michigan Medicine. And one specific complication called cyanosis – or experiencing less than normal oxygen blood levels – was associated with worsened survival.