Health Trends

Jan 2, 2023

5 Ways to Avoid Colds and the Flu 2023

Simple steps you can take to reduce your chances of getting sick.

By Edith Mbagwu, MD

Health Trends

Dec 20, 2022

How to Safely Host Holiday Gatherings During COVID-19 and Flu Season

The good news is you can still be the “host or hostess with the mostest” with just a few tweaks to your usual plans.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Dec 1, 2022

Top Remedies to Soothe a COVID-19 Sore Throat

While there is no cure for a COVID-19 sore throat, you can use numerous treatments to ease your pain.

By Ajsa Nikolic, MD, MHA

Prevention & Wellness

Oct 27, 2022

How to Celebrate Halloween During COVID-19 and Flu Season

What parents need to know about keeping their kids healthy this Halloween during COVID-19 and flu season.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Health Trends

Sep 13, 2022

Omicron COVID-19 Booster Shots Are Now Available: Eligibility Guide

COVID-19 booster shots targeting the omicron variant’s BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants are now available. Here's what you need to know.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD and Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Mental Health

Sep 9, 2022

How Has the COVID-19 Pandemic Affected Our Children?

This time in our kids’ lives could shape how they connect with others and the world around them for years to come.

By Angelia Spurgin, PhD

Conditions & Treatment

Aug 26, 2022

Is It the Flu or COVID-19?

Learn how symptoms differ between the COVID-19 and the flu.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Aug 9, 2022

Acupuncture and COVID-19

Acupuncture can help decrease COVID-19 symptoms while boosting the body's immune response to the virus and reducing stress.

By Shen Kang Fu, DACM, LAc

Food & Fitness

May 16, 2022

Can I Exercise with COVID-19?

If you're recovering from COVID-19, you may want to ease back into your workout routine. Consider these tips from Ochsner physical therapists before hitting the gym.

By Robbie Banta, PT, DPT

Conditions & Treatment

May 16, 2022

How COVID Brain Fog Affects Communication and How to Stop It

Brain fog, memory loss and communication struggles are increasingly being linked to COVID-19. Ochsner speech therapists weigh in on what you can do to stop it.

By Taylor Magaw, MA, SLP

Health Trends

May 16, 2022

Second COVID-19 Booster Shot: Do You Qualify?

The FDA approved an additional booster dose for certain people who may be at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Here's what you need to know.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Prevention & Wellness

May 6, 2022

What Are Side Effects of the COVID-19 Vaccine for Kids?

Pfizer submitted an emergency use authorization request to the Food and Drug Administration on Oct. 7 for the vaccine for the 5-11 age group. The FDA is expected to take at least several weeks to analyze the data before deciding whether to grant the drug maker’s request.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Health Trends

May 6, 2022

COVID Vaccine for Kids Under 16

The Pfizer vaccine for teenagers ages 12 to 15 is the same two-dose regimen currently being administered to those who are ages 16 and older.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD and Katherine Baumgarten, MD and Diana Peterson, MD, MPH

Health Trends

Jan 27, 2022

Are N95 Masks Recommended for Omicron?

With the highly transmissible Omicron variant circulating widely, the CDC says people at increased risk for severe disease may opt for highly protective N95 respirators or KN95 masks.

By Beth Anne Lambert and Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Health Trends

Jan 10, 2022

Is My COVID Vaccine Immunity Fading?

If you are five months or more out from your last COVID-19 dose, does that mean your immunity to COVID-19 may be fading?

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Prevention & Wellness

Jan 10, 2022

What Is the Difference Between the Third Dose and Booster COVID-19 Vaccine?

Trying to decide between the third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and the booster shot can cause confusion. Let us help you find out which vaccine is right for you.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD and Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Food & Fitness

Dec 26, 2021

How To Safely Celebrate New Year’s During COVID-19

Making it through 2021 is a cause for celebration.

By Melissa Love, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Oct 14, 2021

Rapid COVID-19 Testing at Home Is Getting Easier

Recent announcements by the White House and the Food and Drug Administration are likely to make at-home, rapid COVID-19 testing easier and more feasible.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Prevention & Wellness

Oct 7, 2021

How Is the COVID Vaccine Dosage for Children Under 12 Different?

As with adults, youngsters would be given a two-dose regimen of the Pfizer vaccine with the injections coming 21 days apart. Sandra Kemmerly, MD, explains how the dosage differs.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Oct 4, 2021

COVID-19 Breakthrough Cases

While most of the rise in recent cases can be attributed to unvaccinated people, there have been breakthrough cases of COVID-19 in those who are fully vaccinated.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Sep 28, 2021

Breast Cancer Screenings During COVID-19

Early detection is key when dealing with breast cancer, but what does that look like during the COVID-19 pandemic?

By Lindsey Fauveau, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Sep 20, 2021

Can a Cold Cause a Fever?

A fever can be a symptom of many different sicknesses, including the common cold. However, while people with a cold can develop a fever, it tends to be one of the less common symptoms.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Health Trends

Sep 8, 2021

Mu COVID Variant: What You Need to Know

The World Health Organization (WHO) recently identified the Mu COVID variant as a variant of interest. Here is what you need to know.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD and Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Mental Health

Aug 24, 2021

How to Deal With College Anxiety on Top of COVID-19 Worries

Returning to college after spending more than a year in COVID-19-required quarantine may come with its own challenges.

By Suzana Flores, PsyD

Prevention & Wellness

Aug 23, 2021

Ochsner Experts Help Patient Make Informed Decision About COVID Vaccine

Bettye Hill-Davis, a retired kindergarten teacher, says she was hesitant about getting the COVID vaccine because of her medical conditions. That was until she watched a Facebook Live hosted by Ochsner experts.

Prevention & Wellness

Aug 16, 2021

School Mask Mandates: What You Should Know

The number one thing we can do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is get vaccinated. But because children under the age of 12 are not yet eligible for the vaccine, the second-best thing we can do is wear a mask.

By Sarah Saussy, NP

Prevention & Wellness

Jul 30, 2021

What Is The Latest Mask Guidance?

Due to low vaccination rates across the country and the increase of cases primarily due to the rise of the Delta variant, the CDC updated their mask guidelines, which include guidelines for fully vaccinated people.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Jul 12, 2021

Are Louisiana and Mississippi Delta Variant Hot Spots?

As variants of COVID-19, such as the Delta variant, continue to emerge in our communities, it has never been more important for people to get vaccinated.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Health Trends

Jun 29, 2021

Are Headaches Signs of COVID-19?

While respiratory problems are more common, the CDC does list headache and stomach issues as possible symptoms of COVID-19.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Jun 3, 2021

What to Know About the Moderna Vaccine Trial in Teens

On the heels of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine trial and approval, Moderna is performing its own trial on youths ages 12 to 17.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Conditions & Treatment

May 27, 2021

Is the COVID-19 Vaccine Causing Heart Inflammation in Children?

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is looking into reported cases of a heart condition called myocarditis in patients who have received the COVID-19 vaccine.

By Jake Kleinmahon, MD and Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Women's Health

May 19, 2021

COVID-19 Vaccination in Pregnancy Passes Antibodies to Newborns

Studies show COVID-19 antibodies are transferred from mothers to babies through breast milk and the placenta.

By Joseph Biggio, MD

Conditions & Treatment

May 16, 2021

I Can’t Smell Anything. Do I Have COVID-19?

Anosmia is the loss or altered sense of smell, and could be a symptom of COVID-19.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD and Edward McCoul, MD, MPH

Health Trends

Apr 23, 2021

7 Things You Need To Know About Your COVID-19 Vaccine Card

If you received the COVID-19 vaccine, you know that you will receive a CDC vaccine card. But after you get this card, is there anything special you should do with it? Here are answers to some of your common questions on the COVID-19 vaccine card.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Prevention & Wellness

Mar 15, 2021

Do Fully Vaccinated People Need to Quarantine After COVID-19 Exposure?

The CDC recently announced that fully vaccinated individuals do not have to quarantine after exposure to COVID-19 if they are not displaying symptoms. These new guidelines are a step towards returning to pre-COVID-19 activities.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Mar 8, 2021

What If I Get COVID-19 Between Vaccine Doses?

The Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines require two shots to get the most protection. But what happens if you get infected with COVID-19 between doses?

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD and Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Prevention & Wellness

Mar 1, 2021

Is it Safe to Donate Blood During the Pandemic?

With the safety precautions Ochsner has in place, you can feel safe when donating blood at Ochsner Blood Bank.

By Donny Dumani, MD

Prevention & Wellness

Feb 23, 2021

7 Ways to Boost Your Immune System During COVID-19

Whether it’s the common cold, the flu or COVID-19, these seven key strategies will help you boost your immune system and protect your wellness year-round.

By Molly Kimball, RD, CSSD

Prevention & Wellness

Feb 1, 2021

Ways You May Accidentally Spread COVID-19

As we continue to navigate living in a world with COVID-19, it’s important to continue to protect yourself and others.

Conditions & Treatment

Feb 1, 2021

When Will I Be Able to Smell Again After Having COVID-19?

Many COVID-19 patients have noticed changes in their senses and are left wondering: When will I be able to smell and taste again? Read on for the answer.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Jan 29, 2021

How Long Does COVID Recovery Take?

If you suspect you have COVID-19, you may wonder how long the illness will last. While sick, what precautions should you be taking?

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Jan 29, 2021

COVID-19 and Disabilities

The life-altering effects of COVID-19 have been tougher on people with intellectual disabilities and developmental disorders than anyone else.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Prevention & Wellness

Jan 26, 2021

Is the COVID-19 Vaccine Safe for Transplant Patients?

As the COVID-19 vaccine continues to roll out, we know that transplant patients wait in great anticipation. Here are some of the most common questions concerning COVID-19 vaccination among the transplant community.

By Jonathan Hand, MD

Health Trends

Jan 25, 2021

How to Celebrate Mardi Gras Safely During COVID-19

Even though parades are canceled due to COVID-19, we can still find creative ways to celebrate Mardi Gras, while staying safe. Here are the safest ways you can celebrate Mardi Gras this year.

By Sarena Teng, MD

Health Trends

Jan 20, 2021

COVID-19 Vaccine: Who Gets it First?

Once the COVID-19 vaccine is approved by the FDA, the vaccine can begin being distributed. However, because there will be a limited supply when the vaccine is first introduced, we can expect it will be distributed to certain groups of people first.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Prevention & Wellness

Jan 12, 2021

Is It Safe to Date During COVID-19?

If you're single and ready to mingle, read on for our guide to dating safely during COVID-19.

By Addy Reine, MD

Jan 5, 2021

What’s in the COVID-19 Vaccine?

For most people, it can be confusing, trying to understand what goes into a vaccine. Here is a quick guide to help you understand.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Health Trends

Jan 5, 2021

How Does a Pandemic End?

For a pandemic to end, the virus must reach a point where it cannot easily find hosts to catch it and spread the virus further, which is known as herd immunity. The best way to reach herd immunity is through vaccination.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Dec 15, 2020

What Are the Side Effects of the COVID-19 Vaccine?

More than 37,000 people have received the COVID-19 vaccine during the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine trials with no significant side effects.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Prevention & Wellness

Nov 30, 2020

How Are Vaccines Approved?

Learn about the many steps vaccine makers must follow before any vaccine, including a COVID-19 vaccine, is approved in the United States.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Health Trends

Nov 24, 2020

A Physician's Firsthand Experience Working the Frontlines During COVID-19

Dr. Jack Heidenreich Jr. shares his story of diagnosing one of the first COVID patients in Louisiana, catching the virus himself and seeing those close to him lose their battle to it.

By Jack W. Heidenreich, MD

Prevention & Wellness

Nov 18, 2020

COVID-19 and Christmas: How to Celebrate Safely and Merrily

Regardless of how you celebrate this year, it’s essential to keep yourself and your family safe and healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Health Trends

Nov 11, 2020

Supporting Nonprofits During COVID-19

COVID-19 has shown us how people have stepped forward to help others in need. Here are seven ways you can support a nonprofit organization, like Ochsner, during the COIVD-19 pandemic.

By Shon C. Baker, PhD, CFRE

Prevention & Wellness

Nov 4, 2020

COVID-19 Food Service Guidelines

The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly changed the way we used to dine out and food service guidelines.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Oct 1, 2020

Is Sore Throat a Sign of Coronavirus?

COVID-19 is a respiratory disease, also known as the coronavirus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the symptoms that develop with COVID-19 can vary. Could a sore throat be a sign of coronavirus?

By Norman Vince Hill, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Sep 28, 2020

12-Year-Old Fully Recovers After Heart Stopped Twice from COVID-19

It was one of the scariest days of Juliet Daly's life when she had to be rushed to the hospital due to severe complications from COVID-19

Conditions & Treatment

Sep 1, 2020

COVID-19 and Reopening Schools

With the reopening of schools, there will be a higher risk of contracting COVID-19.

By Durga Alahari, MD

Health Trends

Aug 14, 2020

Can COVID-19 Cause Strokes?

Richard Zweifler, MD, discusses with Cuong Bui, MD, what a stroke is, and the increased risk of one particular type of stroke from COVID-19.

By Cuong Bui, MD and Richard Zweifler, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Aug 8, 2020

What are the long-term effects of COVID-19?

Since the onset of COVID-19, millions of people have contracted the disease. While many have recovered, they still may face some long-term effects post recovery

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Health Trends

Aug 8, 2020

Is Vomiting a Sign of Coronavirus?

Some of the common symptoms of COVID-19 include cough, shortness of breath and, possibly, a sore throat. But according to the CDC, vomiting may be a symptom, too.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Jul 9, 2020

Don't Delay! The Importance of Scheduling Surgeries

Procedures can have a serious impact on your health. If you've had to delay care, it is time to get back on track with your care so you can get back to doing the things you love.

By Jessica Gorham, MD

Health Trends

Jul 8, 2020

COVID-19 Risk by Activity

If you are starting to venture out, participating in certain activities increases your risk of getting COVID-19. We share what activities are considered low, moderate and high.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Prevention & Wellness

Jul 6, 2020

Why Wearing Face Masks Is Important

Face masks are absolutely necessary to slow the spread of COVID-19, and the CDC recommends that anyone over the age of 2 wear one while in public settings.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Conditions & Treatment

Jul 1, 2020

Managing Your Diabetes Care During COVID-19

During these stressful times, diabetes cannot be put on hold. Staying connected with your Diabetes Care Team is essential.

By Katherine Cash

Health Trends

Jun 18, 2020

Can You Catch Coronavirus from Swimming?

The CDC currently states that there is no evidence that COVID-19 can be spread to people through the water, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t potential risks.

By Katherine Baumgarten, MD

Health Trends

Jun 16, 2020

Coronavirus and Pets

The risk of pets spreading COVID-19 to people is very low. However, you should treat pets like you would any other human family member and follow certain guidelines.

By Sandra A. Kemmerly, MD

Health Trends

Jun 1, 2020

A Palliative Perspective on COVID-19

As COVID-19 continues to spread and put patients in the ICU, palliative care professionals are the experts many patients and family members are seeking.

By Justin Santos and Sean Montgomery

Food & Fitness

Apr 29, 2020

Facts or Fiction: Nutrition and COVID-19

There is a lot of confusing information out there regarding COVID-19 and nutrition.