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Dolly Parton Got a "Dose of Her Own Medicine" and Received the Moderna Vaccine
She even remade her hit song "Jolene" to fit the occasion
HealthEat This, Not That!Sure Signs You've Already Had COVID, According to the CDC
We were once told COVID would “just disappear.” For many Long Haulers, this is a bitter joke. They got COVID and still suffer debilitating symptoms, like fatigue, brain fog or shortness of breath, for months after—possibly years, possibly a lifetime. Even worse, “serious long-term complications…have been reported,” reports the CDC. "These have been noted to affect different organ systems in the body.” Read on to learn more about these severest of Long Hauler symptoms to see if you have them—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had Coronavirus. 1 You May Have Cardiovascular Symptoms This can include an “inflammation of the heart muscle,” warns the CDC. “There are three main types of heart inflammation: endocarditis, myocarditis, and pericarditis,” says the National Institute of Health. “Endocarditis is inflammation of the inner lining of the heart's chambers and valves. Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle. Pericarditis is inflammation of the tissue that forms a sac around the heart.” “You may have different signs and symptoms depending on the type and severity of the heart inflammation that you have,” they continue. “Complications may include an arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat, and heart failure.” 2 You May Have Respiratory Symptoms The CDC warns of “lung function abnormalities.” For example, “some patients who have been seriously ill from COVID-19 develop acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which can permanently scar their lungs,” reports UC Davis Health. “But it’s not clear if there is any scarring for long-haulers who have respiratory issues but not at the severe level of ARDS.” Many Long Haulers have shortness of breath. 3 You May Have Renal Issues Like “acute kidney injury,” says the CDC. ”Acute kidney failure occurs when your kidneys suddenly become unable to filter waste products from your blood,” reports the Mayo Clinic. “When your kidneys lose their filtering ability, dangerous levels of wastes may accumulate, and your blood's chemical makeup may get out of balance.” 4 You May Have Dermatologic Symptoms These dermatologic symptoms can include “rash, hair loss,” says the CDC. Long Haulers have complained of skin peeling or violent rashes. Actress Alyssa Milano, a Long Hauler, lost her hair and says: "It's hard, especially when you're an actor and so much of your identity is wrapped up in those things like having long silky hair and clean skin.” 5 You May Have Neurological Symptoms These can include “smell and taste problems, sleep issues, difficulty with concentration, memory problems,” says the CDC. Some Long Haulers are finding their sense of smell or test may never come back. Others forget where they left their car keys. Sleep is interrupted by vivid dreams or nightmares. 6 You May Have Psychiatric Problems “Depression, anxiety, changes in mood” are symptoms sone Long Haulers suffer. This is natural, since many previously healthy people are now bed-bound or unable to walk their dog, with no end in sight—but the psychiatric problems may also be neurological, as the brain chemistry is impacted.RELATED: Dr. Fauci Just Said When We'd Get Back to Normal 7 The More Common Long COVID Symptoms The list you have just read is of severe Long Hauler symptoms. According to the CDC, “the most commonly reported long-term symptoms include:FatigueShortness of breathCoughJoint painChest painOther reported long-term symptoms include:Difficulty with thinking and concentration (sometimes referred to as ‘brain fog’)DepressionMuscle painHeadacheIntermittent feverFast-beating or pounding heart (also known as heart palpitations)”If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, contact a medical professional immediately. And to protect your life and the lives of others, don't visit any of these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.
HealthEat This, Not That!CDC Advises Don’t Do This After Your Vaccine
There's one thing you should avoid doing on the day you get your COVID-19 vaccine, the Centers for Disease Control&Prevention says: Leaving the vaccination site without waiting 15 to 30 minutes after your shot. This is necessary to see whether you have an immediate allergic reaction to the vaccine. If you do, medical personnel at the vaccination site can treat it and call for emergency care. Read on to find out why—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had Coronavirus. Allergic reactions uncommon but stay just in caseEveryone should wait at the site 15 minutes after their shot, the CDC says. If you have a history of severe allergic reactions or an immediate allergic reaction to a vaccine, you should wait half an hour. Severe allergic reactions to the vaccine can include anaphylaxis (a swelling of the mouth and throat) that can be life-threatening. Thankfully, severe reactions are extremely rare. In the United States through Jan. 24, there were 50 reported cases of anaphylaxis among 9,943,247 doses of the Pfizer vaccine. That works out to 5 cases of anaphylaxis per million doses administered. For the Moderna vaccine, there were 21 reported cases of anaphylaxis out of 7,581,429 doses—2.8 cases of anaphylaxis per million doses.Some people might experience a non-severe allergic reaction to the shot, which the CDC defines as an allergic reaction that doesn't require medical attention. "CDC has also learned of reports that some people have experienced non-severe allergic reactions within 4 hours after getting vaccinated (known as immediate allergic reactions), such as hives, swelling, and wheezing (respiratory distress)," the agency says. People who have severe or non-severe allergic reactions to the vaccine should avoid getting a second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna shots. (The newly approved Johnson&Johnson vaccine is just one dose.) An allergic reaction is different than "COVID arm," a red, itchy, swollen, or painful rash at the site of the shot. It can begin a few days to more than a week after the initial vaccination, the CDC says. If it's itchy or painful, you can take an antihistamine or an over-the-counter pain reliever. COVID arm shouldn't prevent you from getting your second dose. RELATED: Dr. Fauci Just Said When We'd Get Back to NormalHow to survive this pandemicAs for yourself, do everything you can to prevent getting—and spreading—COVID-19 in the first place: Wear a face mask, get tested if you think you have coronavirus, avoid crowds (and bars, and house parties), practice social distancing, only run essential errands, wash your hands regularly, disinfect frequently touched surfaces, and to get through this pandemic at your healthiest, don't miss these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.
HealthEat This, Not That!If You Feel This, You May Have Already Had COVID, Says CDC
As vaccination rates climb and some states loosen restrictions, health officials have repeatedly stressed that the COVID-19 pandemic is not yet over. One group, in particular, can't yet put the coronavirus behind them: People who are experiencing long-term symptoms, also known as "long-haulers." Suffering from post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), many of the long-term symptoms are similar to those of a cold or flu. But one is fairly unique: "brain fog," or difficulty with thinking and concentration. Read on to see if you have it—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had Coronavirus. Brain Fog Can Be a Sign You Have Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 InfectionAnna Nordvig, MD, a neurologist with Columbia University Medical Center, described COVID-related brain fog as "specific thinking and behavior problems—they forget the names of people they know well, they can’t follow along during business conversations, prioritizing and planning is suddenly difficult, they are inexplicably anxious and sleep poorly." She said some patients with brain fog only had a mild case of COVID and have no other long-term symptoms."These are young and middle-aged people who were previously thriving," said Nordvig. "Now they are having profound changes in the way they think and feel. They’re worried about their careers, if this persists." "The good news," said Nordvig, "is that most of the patients we’re seeing are getting better."RELATED: Dr. Fauci Just Said When We'd Get Back to NormalWide Range of Long-Haul SymptomsAccording to the CDC, the most commonly reported long-term COVID symptoms are fatigue, shortness of breath, cough, joint pain and chest pain.Brain fog, or difficulty with thinking and concentration is in the CDC's list of "other reported long-term symptoms," along with depression, muscle pain, headache, intermittent fever and heart palpitations. "The long-term significance of these effects is not yet known," the CDC says.Experts have been aware of the long-hauler phenomenon since early in the pandemic, but they've named it only recently: PASC, for post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Congress has allocated $1.5 billion over four years for the National Institutes of Health to study long COVID, said Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious-disease specialist, said during a briefing by the White House COVID-19 response team last week."Somewhat alarming" is what Fauci called a recent study from the University of Washington, which found that 30% of people who've had COVID have symptoms for as long as nine months after their initial illness.There are many questions to be answered about long-term symptoms; their exact cause is unclear. In the case of brain fog, experts theorize it could be due to the widespread inflammation COVID-19 seems to cause throughout the body. If you experience any combination of these 98 symptoms, contact a medical professional. Although there is no cure for PASC, doctors may be able to treat certain symptoms. And to get through this pandemic at your healthiest, don't miss these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.
CelebrityInStyleMeghan Markle is "Saddened" By the Latest "Attack on Her Character"
A new report says the Duchess received bullying allegations from Kensington Palace staffers.
HealthEat This, Not That!Dr. Fauci Warns Don't Go Here Anymore Now
Coronavirus cases are plateauing, a dangerous sign after the recent drop. One possible reason: the new, more transmissible variants, which can jump from person to person quicker than the strain before. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the chief medical advisor to the President and the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has been sounding the alarm this week, saying now is not the time to let your guard down—nor the time for cities to begin relaxing restrictions. Read on for the places Fauci says not to go now—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had Coronavirus. 1 Dr. Fauci Has Warned of Gyms, and the CDC Just Agreed Dr. Fauci pointed to a CDC report that said COVID can spread in gyms, and a new CDC report says intense physical activity in that environment can lead to spread, and did in the Chicago gym they studied. According to their report: “In August 2020, 55 COVID-19 cases were identified among 81 attendees of indoor high-intensity classes at a Chicago exercise facility. Twenty-two (40%) persons with COVID-19 attended on or after the day symptoms began. Most attendees (76%) wore masks infrequently, including persons with (84%) and without COVID-19 (60%).” 2 Dr. Fauci Says Don’t Travel Right Now At a CNN Town Hall, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), said: “I want to emphasize that now is not a good time to be traveling, period, internationally or domestically.” And Fauci agreed: “Getting vaccinated does not say you have a free pass to travel,” said Dr. Fauci. “Nor does it say you have a free pass to put aside all the public health measures that we talk about all the time.” 3 Dr. Fauci Says Don’t Go Anywhere Without a Mask—Even if You’re Vaccinated Why do you have to wear a mask even if you’re vaccinated? “You may be protected against clinically recognizable disease, but you could still get infected and have the virus in your nasopharynx that potentially could be spread to another person,” Dr. Fauci said. 4 Dr. Fauci Has Said to Avoid Restaurants and Bars Fauci orders take out and never enters a restaurant. “I feel badly about restaurants losing business,” Fauci told CNN recently. “And I feel it’s almost a neighborly obligation to keep neighborhood restaurants afloat.” “If you go indoors in a restaurant — whatever capacity, 25[%], 50%, or what have you — indoors absolutely increases the risk,” he told MSNBC. “If we want to get back to the normal existence of being able to enjoy being in a restaurant, the best way to do that is to get the community level of infection at the lowest level possible.”RELATED: Dr. Fauci Just Said When We'd Get Back to Normal 5 How to Stay Safe During This Pandemic So follow Fauci’s fundamentals and help end this pandemic, no matter where you live—wear a face mask that fits snugly and is double layered, don’t travel, social distance, avoid large crowds, don't go indoors with people you're not sheltering with (especially in bars), practice good hand hygiene, get vaccinated when it becomes available to you, and to protect your life and the lives of others, don't visit any of these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.
CelebrityThe GuardianPatter of tiny feet: dancers on leaping into motherhood
Patter of tiny feet: dancers on leaping into motherhoodJuggling babies and a job is always difficult – what are the particular pressures for performers and how is the industry taking steps to improve? ‘I reached my limit’ … Elizabeth Harrod backstage with her children at the Royal Opera House. Photograph: Steven McRae
BusinessEat This, Not That!Costco and Walmart Are Failing at Making This Important Change
Costco and Walmart are ranked 6th and 7th on Greenpeace's best-to-worst list of the 2021 Supermarket Plastics Ranking. Costco scored 20.53 out of 100 and Walmart scored 18.10.To rank each grocery chain, Greenpeace looked at each major grocery store chain's policies, initiatives, reductions, and transparency in reducing plastic use. It also notes if a retailer declined to participate in the survey process. (Related: Grocery Shortages To Expect in 2021, According to Experts.)Costco moved up three spots compared to last year, as it continues its commitment to reducing its plastic packaging in the next 10 years. The score breakdown applauds the wholesale retailer's sustainability website and promise to switch out plastics that are used in its food courts to compostable material. However, the company did not participate in the survey. Greenpeace also says Costco's strategy isn't bold enough, and that Costco does not reveal any information about its actual plastic footprint (Greenpeace says the company may be sending trash to "waste-to-energy" facilities that burn it, creating toxic fumes).Walmart dropped one spot compared to its ranking last year. Greenpeace actually even sued the company in 2020 for "illegally and incorrectly advertis[ing] its own brand throwaway plastics and packaging as recyclable." The giant retailer has made a promise to use compostable packaging for its own brands by 2025, but Greenpeace says the promise doesn't specify how much packaging will actually be reusable. However, Greenpeace's latest report does give Walmart credit for sharing some of its plastic footprint information publically, but says, like Costco, it isn't a complete assessment.Grocery store chain Giant Eagle took the top spot on Greenpeace's ranking this year, with just a 34.88 score. Aldi was next, followed by Sprouts, Kroger, and Albertsons. Publix and Hy-Vee were 15th and 16. Beloved Texas grocery chain H-E-B came in last place with a score of just 1.55 out of 100 due to its lack of plastic-reducing policies and not participating in the survey.Overall, Greenpeace says the results show much more work needs to be done, as grocers "must immediately remove unnecessary throwaway packaging, commit to eliminate single-use plastics, and transition to reuse, refill, and package-free alternatives. Simply swapping single-use plastics for another throwaway material doesn't cut it and will continue to pollute our communities and planet."It also notes that grocery store chains "need to correct misleading labels claiming packaging is recyclable when it is far more likely to end up in a landfill or incinerator." Why is this important? Well, for one thing (beyond saving the planet), three-quarters of everyday plastic products are toxic, one study says.To get all the latest grocery store news delivered right to your email inbox every day, sign up for our newsletter!
NewsThe GuardianEdna O'Brien to receive France's highest honour for the arts
Edna O'Brien to receive France's highest honour for the artsThe 90-year-old Irish writer will be named commander of the French Ordre des Arts et des Lettres on Sunday Edna O’Brien, pictured in Paris receiving the Prix Femina special in 2019. Photograph: Isa Harsin/SIPA/Rex/Shutterstock
HealthEat This, Not That!This Blood Type May Protect You Against COVID, Study Says
Over the last year, researchers have continued to study risk factors for COVID-19. One of them? Blood type. According to a number of studies there is one blood type in particular that seems to be more protective when it comes to the virus, and people with it, are less prone to severe infection and even death. Read on to learn about the latest major study linking blood type to COVID risk—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had Coronavirus. 1 This Blood Type May Develop COVID Antibodies A study published in late 2020 in Annals of Internal Medicine, revealed that people with type O or Rh−negative blood may be at slightly lower risk from COVID-19. 225,000 people who were tested for the virus were involved in the study, with researchers finding that risk was 12% lower for those with O blood type compared to those with A, AB, or B. Additionally, their risk for severe COVID or death was 13% lower. Additionally, those with Rh-negative blood type—especially O-negative—also seemed to have some immunity against the virus. Keep reading to see which blood type may put you at risk. 2 Other Studies Confirm the Connection Additionally, a November 2020 study published in the medical journal Nature also found that blood type influences COVID risk. “Recent evidence suggests blood type may affect risk of severe COVID-19,” it explained. This study involved 14,000 individuals in the New York Presbyterian hospital system and found that those with non-O blood types had a “slightly increased” infection prevalence. “Risk of intubation was decreased among A and increased among AB and B types, compared with type O, while risk of death was increased for type AB and decreased for types A and B,” researchers concluded. “Our results add to the growing body of evidence suggesting blood type may play a role in COVID-19.” 3 Your Blood Type Does Not Make You Immune to COVID “Recent data suggests that people with blood type A have a significantly higher risk of acquiring COVID-19 than non-A blood types,” reports Nebraska Medicine. “Blood type O seems to have the lowest risk. Yet these risks are relative, meaning people with type O blood are not immune to COVID-19.” "We do know that people of all types can get infected with COVID-19," cardiologist Daniel Anderson, MD, Ph.D. told them.RELATED: If You Feel This You May Have Already Had COVID Says Dr. Fauci 4 Other Facts May Complicate Your Chances of Infection “Blood type is not the only factor in disease severity,” says Nebraska Medicine. “How much virus you were exposed to, your age, plus any of your underlying health conditions also affects the course and severity of the disease. Say, for example, you and your friend who have the same susceptibility are both sharing a bus with someone who has asymptomatic COVID-19. Your friend sits next to the person infected. You sit 7 feet away from both of them. Your friend would have a worse case of COVID-19 because they were infected with more virus.” 5 How to Survive the Pandemic—and Save Lives As we said, no matter your blood type, you are not immune to COVID-19. So follow Dr. Anthony Fauci’s fundamentals and help end this pandemic, no matter where you live—wear a face mask that fits snugly and is double layered, don’t travel, social distance, avoid large crowds, don't go indoors with people you're not sheltering with (especially in bars), practice good hand hygiene, get vaccinated when it becomes available to you, and to protect your life and the lives of others, don't visit any of these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.
EntertainmentThe GuardianBethnal Green library helped us win the war. Don't let a pandemic close it
Bethnal Green library helped us win the war. Don't let a pandemic close it When German bombs crashed through its roof, the London library moved underground, providing books – and escapism – for children during air raids. Now the 99-year-old landmark is facing closure ‘I didn’t worry abut the bombs when I had my head buried in a book’ ... people sheltering, and reading, in Bethnal Green tube station during the second world war. Photograph: Daily Mail/REX/Shutterstock
CelebrityThe GuardianWe split up and got back together – but the sex isn't great
We split up and got back together – but the sex isn't greatMy husband had an affair and, after we split up, I also had another partner. Now we are reconciled, but it still seems to be affecting us ‘He thinks I want to be with the guy I was with when we split up.’ Composite: Getty
EntertainmentThe GuardianActs of Desperation by Megan Nolan review – learning to say no
Acts of Desperation by Megan Nolan review – learning to say noA young Irish woman looks back on a toxic relationship in an impressive first novel with a niggling strand of moralism Megan Nolan ‘captures an intense experience with clarity and style’. Photograph: Linda Nylind/The Guardian
LifestyleThe GuardianBuilding a brilliant theatre career: designer Sadeysa Greenaway-Bailey
Building a brilliant theatre career: designer Sadeysa Greenaway-BaileyAfter cutting her teeth on carnival parades and the Olympics opening ceremony, the bright designer collaborated on dazzling creations for major London stages Joy in collaboration … Sadeysa Greenaway-Bailey. Photograph: Michael Wharley
NewsThe GuardianLaw in a Time of Crisis by Jonathan Sumption review – beyond the lockdown sceptic
Law in a Time of Crisis by Jonathan Sumption review – beyond the lockdown sceptic. The former judge and renowned historian loses his cool on Covid and the culture wars
LifestyleThe Guardian'Our rescue cat rescued us': how pets provided unconditional love in lockdown
'Our rescue cat rescued us': how pets provided unconditional love in lockdown. As the pandemic enters its second year, Guardian readers celebrate the animals that helped them navigate a difficult 12 months – from dogs to guinea pigs to cows
StyleInStyleEverything Bella Hadid's Facialist Recommends for Clear, Glowing Skin
Because even supermodels get bad breakouts.
StyleInStyleAmazon Shoppers Say These $13 Leggings Give Them the Best Butt Ever
Even better than the butt-crack ones.
EntertainmentThe GuardianAdelaide during festival season feels like a world still struggling with its new reality
Adelaide during festival season feels like a world still struggling with its new reality. From hygiene theatre to the dance of Covid safety, Adelaide festival’s most striking work of art is the one every audience member participates in
StyleInStyleShoppers Say This 'Magic' Mascara Doubles Their Lash Length
The clean formula's a gift for sensitive eyes.
CelebrityTown & CountryMeghan Markle Denies Accusations of Bullying Palace Staff
The allegations surfaced in a Times story just days before the Sussexes' sit-down interview with Oprah is set to air.
EntertainmentInStyleMichelle Obama Re-Released Her Memoir With a Sweet Message to Young Readers
Becoming got two brand-new editions.
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Author Meaghan B Murphy shares her favorite tips on living with near-endless energy and deep purpose.
StyleInStyleThe Affordable Jewelry Brand Behind Julia Roberts’s Famous Ring Is Having a Huge Sitewide Sale
Prices start at $8.
CelebrityMarie ClaireMeghan and Harry Blame Buckingham Palace for a "Smear Campaign" Article
Their lawyers said The Times of London was "being used by Buckingham Palace to peddle a wholly false narrative."
