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Several studies have evaluated the use of hydroxychloroquine in treating COVID-19. Current best available evidence does not show clear benefit of hydroxychloroquine. The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) treatment guidelines for COVID-19 recommend hydroxychloroquine use only in the context of a clinical trial.

If you were a close contact of someone who was diagnosed with COVID-19, it is recommended that you quarantine for 14 days from the last day of contact with that person. If you were around someone who was identified as a close contact of someone diagnosed with COVID-19, then you should monitor for any symptoms. You would not need to self-quarantine in this case, unless you develop symptoms or if the person identified as a close contact develops COVID-19.

Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or NSAIDs may help alleviate fever and body aches related to COVID-19. Over-the-counter nasal decongestants and throat lozenges may help with symptoms of nasal congestion and sore throat. Before taking any over-the-counter medications, we recommend consulting with a health care provider.

Wearing a face covering helps prevent the spread of infectious respiratory droplets from one person to another. Cloth masks reduce the spread of droplets when the mask completely covers the nose and mouth. Alternative face coverings to cloth masks, like neck gaiters and bandanas, can help reduce the spread of respiratory droplets if worn correctly. People should avoid masks with exhalation valves on the front, as this releases unfiltered air, including respiratory droplets.

Cloth masks made of two layers of heavyweight cotton, especially those with a thicker and tighter weave, have been shown to be helpful in preventing the spread of respiratory droplets if worn correctly. Some masks have built-in pockets in which one may place a filter. Data on the use of additional filters is limited.

The CDC recommends using face coverings when exercise type and intensity allows. This includes wearing a face covering when walking on an indoor track, stretching, or when practicing low-intensity forms of yoga indoors.

False. The American Heart Association recommends that patients who take certain high blood pressure medications, called ACE inhibitors or ARBs, and who contract COVID-19 should continue treatment with these medications, unless otherwise advised by their physician. Patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease have an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

When we found out we were expecting twins, we were nervous about the usual things you expect when you first hear the word “twins”: twice the feedings, twice the diapers, and twice the sleepless nights. At 19 weeks, however, we found out that there were serious complications, and our initial worries couldn’t even compare. We had started our prenatal care at another Birmingham hospital, and were referred to a specialized hospital out of state for further testing and opinions.

UAB Hospital has been again named the best hospital in Alabama by U.S. News & World Report. Additionally, the magazine named eight specialty programs within the top 50 in the nation, seven of those within the top 30, along with two others noted as being “high performing” in the 2020-2021 Best Hospital rankings, released today.

July 26 will mark an important date in the history of our nation. Thirty years ago, in 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law by Pres. George H.W. Bush. Inspired by the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the ADA is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public. Seeking to change the paradigm of persons with disabilities in this nation, this law has mandated change and created opportunities for inclusion and to right social injustices among persons with disabilities.

Thanks to advances in wearable health-tracking devices, people can monitor their heart rhythms much easier now. Commercially available heart monitors may provide early detection of irregularities, but experts say the devices should be used in partnership with a doctor.

Michael Callahan, MD, a professor with the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, was selected as a member of the Alabama Healthcare Hall of Fame. Dr. Callahan was chosen for this honor because of his outstanding contributions and exemplary service to health care throughout the state of Alabama.