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: Preventative health and wellness 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 marijuana leaf drawing blue lab note yellow badge upper left corner
Health Lab
Data shows medical marijuana use decreased in states where recreational use became legal 
Data on medical cannabis use found that enrollment in medical cannabis programs increased overall between 2016 and 2022, but enrollment in states where nonmedical use of cannabis became legal saw a decrease in enrollment
Illustration of red blood cells and bacteria in the bloodstream
Health Lab
New device can treat injury from sepsis
The FDA approved the use of a therapeutic device invented and developed at the University of Michigan for use in children with acute kidney injury and sepsis or a septic condition requiring continuous kidney replacement therapy.
Exterior photograph of an urgent care clinic
Health Lab
Thinking outside the doctor’s office: How older adults use urgent care & in-store clinics
In the past two years, 60% of people age 50 to 80 have visited an urgent care clinic, or a clinic based in a retail store, workplace or vehicle, according to new findings from the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging.
Photo of a cluttered, messy garage
Health Lab
Chemicals stored in home garages linked to ALS risk
A Michigan Medicine study finds that storing chemicals in a garage at home may associate with an increased risk of ALS.
Dinero is back to being an active toddler following a kidney transplant
Health Lab
Formula prescription helps 2-year-old receive kidney transplant
Dinero's pediatric nephrology team developed a tailored formula to address his mineral deficiencies due to his chronic kidney disease, maintain nutritional health and avoid dialysis.
Health Lab
How to protect your eyes during the total solar eclipse
A Michigan Medicine ophthalmologist and retinal surgeon shares advice for viewing the total solar eclipse safely, including what to look for in eye protection.