Whether you have questions about coronavirus (COVID-19) or your clients pose questions to you—as a health care professional, staying updated on your education related to this pandemic is necessary.

MASSAGE Magazine has curated this updated selection of the most current information and research available about coronavirus (COVID-19) from expert sources, for our audience of massage therapists.

Additional articles on PPE, sanitation and marketing during COVID-19 may be read on MASSAGE Magazine’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resource Page.

COVID-19 Death Rates Compared with Those of the Flu

COVID-19 is about 10 times deadlier than the flu, and nine to 10 times deadlier than the H1N1 swine flu. This article from Ohio State University details how COVID-19 is similar to, different from, and worse than the flu.

Read “How COVID-9 is different and worse than the flu”

Coronavirus and Deep Vein Thrombosis

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), or blood clots, can lead to heart attack, stroke, paralysis and death, and are prevalent in some COVID-19 patients.

New research from Harvard Medical School indicates that COVID-19 patients who have high levels of the blood-clotting protein factor V “are at elevated risk for serious injury from blood clots such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.”

Read “COVID-19 and Blood Clots” from Harvard Medical School.

Read “Massage and Blood Clots: What we Know about Deep Vein Thrombosis & COVID-19 (Possible Mechanism Found)” from MASSAGE Magazine.

COVID-19 and Airborne Transmission

In October the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention acknowledged that the virus that causes COVID-19 can be spread by large droplets that fall out of the air rapidly and small droplets and particles “that can remain suspended for many minutes to hours and travel far from the source on air currents.”

Read “Scientific Brief: SARS-CoV-2 and Potential Airborne Transmission” from the CDC.

Read “Air Quality in the Massage Session Room: 3 Key Factors in Reducing the Risk of COVID-19 Acquisition & Transmission” from MASSAGE Magazine.

Face Masks Help Stem Transmission of COVID-19

Despite debate about masks, science has shown they work to help stem the transmission of COVID-19. The New York Times created an interactive teaching tool, “Masks Work. Really. We’ll Show You How” that shows how the fibers in cloth masks help you protect others and yourself.

Read “Masks Work. Really. We’ll Show You How” from the New York Times.

Read “You Can Be Confident in Wearing (And Removing) a Face Mask — If You Follow These 7 Steps” from MASSAGE Magazine.

Some Patients Have Lingering Symptoms

Even after supposedly recovering and testing negative after a COVID-19 diagnosis, many patients experience lingering symptoms. Referred to as long-haulers, they are represented by Survivor Corps, an organization focused on connecting, supporting, educating and motivating those affected by COVID-19. Survivor Corps has conducted numerous conversations with medical experts, including Anthony S. Fauci, MD, on Oct. 30.

Access Survivor Corp’s library of webinars.

Read “COVID-19 Long-Haulers Puzzle Health Experts” from MASSAGE Magazine.

Updated Data on New Cases & State Stats

Daily Summary of Data on COVID-19 in the U.S., Updated Every Morning

Johns Hopkins University maintains an updated-daily report showing new cases, cumulative cases, death rates, positive infection ratios by U.S. state, and more.

Access Data in Motion from Johns Hopkins University.

Read “State-by-State Resources on COVID-19, Reopening Status & Massage Therapy,” from MASSAGE Magazine.