Our experts give you the latest on COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) vaccines, variants, keeping your children safe, and more. Get up-to-date information from UC Davis Health.
Everything is starting to look normal. So how come it still feels so strange? UC Davis Health Chief Wellness Officer Peter Yellowlees offers tips for navigating our “new normal,” including returning to work, managing loneliness, reconnecting with colleagues, and finding helpful resources for mental health.
Read MoreUC Davis Health is celebrating Medical Laboratory Professionals Week by saying “thank you” to our behind-the-scenes heroes. Lab workers are an integral part of the medical team. Seventy percent of medical decisions depend on their work.
Read MoreCan you guess how many lab tests were performed at UC Davis Health last year? Or which five are the most common? Here is a snapshot of the critical contributions of our dedicated lab professionals as we celebrate Medical Laboratory Professionals Week, April 24-30, 2022.
Read MoreNam Tran, UC Davis Health professor of clinical pathology, will be leading Picnic Day celebrations April 23 as Parade Marshal. This is the first time since 2019 that the revered annual campus celebration will be held in person.
Read MoreDoctors who treat long COVID are trying to understand the mysterious syndrome that can follow infections, such as why some patients with mild illness experience ongoing breathing problems and why some with severe disease end up with no lung scarring.
Read MoreUC Davis Health is partnering with Pfizer on two new clinical trials. They are recruiting double-vaccinated healthy adults to assess the efficacy of different booster doses. They’re also testing heart muscle protein levels after a Pfizer booster shot.
Read MoreSupported by a $5 million federal grant, the UC Davis Center for Reducing Health Disparities leads an effort to offer COVID-19 vaccines to African Americans and Latino farmworkers. These two groups are still hesitant about the vaccine or have difficulty accessing it.
Read MoreUC Davis Health’s Chief of Infectious Diseases Stuart Cohen answered some commonly asked questions about the connection between vitamin D levels and COVID-19. A recent study has shown a correlation between vitamin D deficiency and COVID-19 severity and mortality.
Read MoreFatigue is the number one symptom, and exercise and antidepressants help some patients with long COVID. UC Davis Health experts share what they’ve learned about long COVID, the perplexing illness that can follow a COVID-19 infection.
Read MoreTwo years into the pandemic, the science proves that outside is safer than inside for COVID-19 transmission But how can you reduce your COVID risk inside, if you are with people who are not from your household? Experts say: Improve the ventilation in your home.
Read MoreAn antibody engineered by researchers at UC Davis Health can directly interfere with the cell-to-cell transmission ability of SARS-CoV-2. The approach could be added to existing antibody cocktails for added function against emerging variants.
Read MoreAt-home rapid antigen tests are a key tool in stopping the spread of COVID-19, but it’s important they are used properly. UC Davis Health pediatric nurse Claudio Alvarado shares a step-by-step guide to doing a test.
Read MoreCOVID-19 has disproportionately affected the Black population in the U.S., leading to more infections, hospitalizations and deaths, compared to the white population. Pediatrician Michael Lucien, associate medical director of the UC Davis Heath Community Physicians Group, shares his top 4 takeaways.
Read MoreMultisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) often strikes when many families least expect it – after a child has recovered from COVID-19 infection. Dean Blumberg, chief of pediatric infectious diseases at UC Davis Children’s Hospital, answers common questions about this life-threatening complication.
Read MoreAt-home COVID-19 antigen tests have been flying off store shelves as more people are being exposed to the highly infectious Omicron variant. UC Davis pediatrician Ivan Marquez answers questions about how COVID testing can be another valuable tool for families during the pandemic.
Read MoreUC Davis Medical Center is now using Pfizer’s new COVID antiviral pill Paxlovid in patients at high risk of COVID complications. The pill, which can be taken at home, has been shown to dramatically decrease the risk of hospitalization and death.
Read MoreUC Davis researchers are studying the way in which COVID-19 often disrupts a person’s sense of smell. The hope is to better understand the impact and identify treatments that could alleviate for the condition.
Read MoreUC Davis Medical Center is reporting its highest-ever number of COVID-19 patients. As of Jan. 18, there were 126 patients with active COVID-19 – a 300% increase since Jan. 1. Admissions of both pediatric and adult patients have spiked in recent days.
Read MoreWith the highly contagious COVID-19 Omicron variant surging, many people are reconsidering the type of mask they wear. A UC Davis Health infectious diseases expert has advice about when to wear cloth, surgical, N95 or KN95 masks.
Read MoreA new international study done by researchers at three academic medical institutions, including UC Davis Health, analyzed the impact of COVID-19 infection in children and identified their risk of severe outcomes.
Read MoreAs Omicron surges around the world, we all have questions about symptoms, testing, masking and more. UC Davis Health experts share what’s known so far about the highly infectious COVID-19 variant.
Read MoreA long-term patient who hadn’t seen his children together in more than a year was treated to a birthday celebration in his hospital bed outside UC Davis Medical Center, thanks to a dedicated team of caregivers
Read MoreUC Davis Health with the support of community partners has tested more than 17,000 farm laborers, other essential workers and their families for COVID-19 in a crucial effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus among vulnerable populations.
Read MoreUC Davis Medical Center experienced an all-time high number of patients triaged in the Emergency Department this week. Providers treated over 300 patients, including an influx of people seeking Covid-19 testing.
Read MoreUC Davis Health pediatrician Michael Lucien and social justice leader Denisha “Coco” Bland will host a free webinar via Zoom to discuss the effects of COVID-19 on African American and Black populations and offer strategies and solutions to help.
Read MoreThe Office of the President released a statement that, under the University of California’s existing COVID-19 vaccination policy, UC health care workers are to receive a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Employees must be compliant no later than Jan. 31, 2022. The policy is subject to the same exemptions and deferrals.
Read MoreCOVID-19 hospitalizations are increasing at UC Davis Medical Center, indicating a possible new surge following travel and indoor gatherings at Thanksgiving. UC Davis Health infectious disease experts urge the community to continue using prevention strategies.
Read MoreUC Davis Health and SpectraPass are conducting a study in Sacramento and Las Vegas to evaluate a new COVID-19 test. The idea behind the novel platform is a scalable system that can rapidly perform on-site tests for potentially thousands of people.
Read MoreOn the one-year anniversary of the arrival of the first COVID-19 vaccine at UC Davis Health, health care workers reflect on the momentous event and the changes that the vaccine has prompted in the hospital and in their own lives.
Read MoreUC Davis Health’s Chief of Infectious Diseases Stuart Cohen explains what’s known – and what’s not – about the new COVID-19 Omicron variant, including why vaccinations and booster shots are as important as ever.
Read MoreA new study by infectious disease experts Sarah Waldman and Stuart Cohen shows vaccinated health care workers with breakthrough COVID-19 infections are at a low risk of transmitting the virus to patients and colleagues in a healthcare setting. Infection prevention strategies were key.
Read MoreDavid Kessler, the chief science officer and leader in COVID-19 efforts, provided insights on the rise of mental health issues, COVID vaccines for kids, booster shots, the new oral antiviral drugs, and the rare vaccine side effects.
Read MoreA new study shows that mitigation efforts to reduce COVID-19 on the 10 University of California campuses during the fall of 2020 minimized campus transmission and outbreaks and limited spread to surrounding communities.
Read MoreMonoclonal antibody treatments have been shown to reduce COVID-19-related hospitalization or deaths in high-risk patients. But UC Davis Health infectious disease experts explain why they’re not a replacement for the COVID-19 vaccine.
Read MoreThe Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control have approved COVID-19 vaccinations for kids ages 5-11. A UC Davis Health pediatrician and epidemiologist share their insights about the illness and the vaccine for this age group.
Read MoreUC Davis Health infectious diseases specialist George Thompson answered some commonly asked questions about Merck’s new COVID-19 pill. The medication could be given in the days after COVID-19 symptoms arise to prevent severe disease.
Read MoreThe volunteer-driven effort to give COVID-19 shots in medically underserved areas of Sacramento County took its pop-up clinic to Cristo Rey High School this week. Students were able to get the vaccine in the convenience of their own campus.
Read MoreA volunteer-driven effort led by the UC Davis School of Medicine to vaccinate people in medically underserved communities against COVID-19 has resulted in hundreds of shots administered across Sacramento County. They’ve been given in grocery stores, apartment complexes and a farmers market.
Read MoreWe asked Dean Blumberg, chief of pediatric infectious diseases at UC Davis Children’s Hospital, for his advice on how we can keep ourselves safe and healthy through the impending “twindemic” of COVID and flu season.
Read MoreThe UC Davis School of Medicine is partnering with drug developers and funding agencies to find and test potential therapies and vaccines to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
Read MoreUC Davis Health began administering third Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine booster shots to patients at its area clinics and to employees on the medical campus, following recommendations by the CDC.
Read More93% of UC Davis Health employees are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, just weeks after a new University of California vaccine mandate kicked in. The health system is a leader in vaccine compliance, ahead of a new state mandate for health care workers that takes effect Sept. 30.
Read MoreCOVID-19 testing has become widely available, with free community PCR testing and over-the-counter antigen tests you can purchase to take at home. But which type of test should you use and when? And if you are vaccinated, do you need to be testing at all? Two UC Davis Health experts offer updates and advice.
Read MoreUC Davis Health Cardiologist Nayereh Pezeshkian discusses COVID-19, its impact on the heart, and the rare risk of developing heart complications after a COVID-19 vaccine.
Read MoreUC Davis experts Dean Blumberg and Lena van der List will be answering questions in a virtual Q&A session, “COVID-19 and Children: Vaccines and Back to School,” on Monday, Aug. 30 from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Read MoreA recently released study by UC Davis Health researchers reviews the incidence of COVID-19 illness among health care workers and documents the dramatic reductions in illness after vaccines were administered.
Read MoreAs kids head back to full-day, in-person school for the first time in over a year, things will look different. The transition is challenging for many students, particularly those with neurodevelopmental conditions. MIND Institute experts have some tips to help.
Read MorePatients whose immune systems are compromised are at higher risk of complications from COVID-19. Now UC Davis Health is offering a protective third shot to immunocompromised patients who received initial doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. Here’s who qualifies for the “booster.”
Read MoreUC Davis Health has chosen 60 people to participate in a clinical trial to determine if a Pfizer COVID-19 booster shot is necessary, safe and effective. The participants are among 225 who signed up more than a year ago for the clinical trial that led to the FDA Emergency Use Authorization of the Pfizer vaccine.
Read MoreThe highly contagious COVID-19 Delta variant is prompting new visitor and masking rules starting Aug. 16 for people accompanying patients to the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Read MoreAfter seeing the lowest number of COVID-19 patients for the year in June, the Emergency Department at UC Davis Medical Center saw the highest number for the year during the first week in August. Physicians report the majority of people seeking treatment are unvaccinated. They are also younger.
Read MoreSaul Torres skipped the COVID-19 vaccine because he didn’t believe in it, but then he was hospitalized with complications prompted by the virus. Now he’s urging everyone to get the shot.
Read MoreIn accordance with a California Department of Public Health order, UC Davis Medical Center will require visitors to present either proof of vaccination or, for unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals, documentation of a recent negative COVID-19 test.
Read MoreThe Sacramento area is seeing more cases of COVID-19 and the highly contagious Delta variant. What does this mean for students who are slated to be back on campus, especially those too young to be vaccinated?
Read MoreThe guidelines about when to mask up to protect yourself against COVID-19 have changed quite a bit with the spread of the Delta variant. A UC Davis Health expert weighs in on why masking is important, who should be doing it and when.
Read MoreMisinformation is spreading on the Internet regarding the COVID-19 vaccines and how they may affect women’s health. We asked Clara Paik, clinic medical director of obstetrics and gynecology and the co-division director of University Women’s Health, to answer some frequently asked questions about women’s health and the COVID vaccine.
Read MoreUC Davis Health experts are warning a Sacramento-area COVID-19 surge is likely in the coming weeks. Infections are rising, due largely to the highly transmissible Delta variant and low vaccination rates, which are around 50% in the region.
Read MoreTravel plans this summer should include staying updated on changing COVID-19 conditions and being ready to change or cancel your trip. Vaccinated travelers have less to worry about but still need to be prepared.
Read MoreThe Delta variant is now the dominant strain of COVID-19 in California and the U.S. It’s highly infectious, but epidemiologists say current vaccines are providing sufficient protection against illness and hospitalization.
Read MoreFirearm purchases and firearm violence surged during the first five months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Firearm purchases increased by 85% and interpersonal firearm injuries increased by 27%. Approximately 9.3 million firearms were purchased during this period.
Read MoreFireworks are a Fourth of July highlight. They’re also the cause of serious injuries every year. UC Davis Health experts urge extreme caution when using fireworks and offer tips for staying safe while celebrating during COVID-19.
Read MoreA new study confirms the low likelihood that coronavirus contamination on hospital surfaces is infectious. The study is the original report on recovering near-complete SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences directly from surface swabs.
Read MoreThe UC Davis MIND Institute is offering a COVID-19 vaccine clinic for individuals with autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions. The clinic will offer a comfortable experience for families, including sensory support and specially trained staff.
Read MoreCalifornia lifted most of its COVID-19 restrictions, but many people are not ready to return to “normal.” Angela Drake, a clinical neuropsychologist, explains why we won’t change our behaviors overnight and provides tips for managing re-entry anxiety.
Read MoreAfter more than a year, California lifts most COVID-19 restrictions today (June 15). The changes will affect mask-wearing, businesses, gatherings and more. A UC Davis Health expert explains what you should know about the changes.
Read MoreThree friends connected to UC Davis wanted to help underserved families in Knights Landing during the pandemic, so they've set up a table each Sunday filled with groceries, baby supplies, pet food and other items - all free for the community.
Read MoreClaudio Alvarado, an assistant nurse manager in the pediatric emergency department, appeared on stage with California Gov. Gavin Newsom to promote the state’s new Vax for the Win vaccine incentive program.
Read MoreIf you're experiencing serious symptoms of illness, contact your primary care provider. UC Davis Health patients can use the MyUCDavisHealth symptom tracker to help evaluate their status and whether to seek help. Telehealth video visits and Express Care are also available.
If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19, please see current testing information.
If you have a medical emergency, call 911 and notify them of your COVID-19 symptoms.
To help limit spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), we have new policies for visits to our hospital and outpatient clinics.