What's That Rash?

It's the question everyone wants to know: can you get coronavirus from farts? Dr Norman Swan has a strong opinion on fighting the scourge of corona-farting, and asks Australians to make yet another sacrifice. We promise the rest of the episode isn't as silly. It's actually very interesting...

Scientists are desperately searching for a coronavirus vaccine, but before that can happen there's a whole bunch of stuff they need to discover. One of those things is working out how the body's immune system responds to the virus that causes COVID-19. It has implications not only for vaccine discovery, but also how long people may stay immune after recovering. On today's show: * Anti-bodies...

In the scheme of things, Australia is becoming a bit of a poster child for how to handle the coronavirus pandemic. Helped by having no land borders and by locking things down relatively quickly, the number of positive cases is now low. But that can change quickly...

Forget flattening the curve. There’s a radical approach to coronavirus that could have us out of our houses and back at work or school without having to worry about the virus. It's called eradication, and it’s New Zealand goal. If they pull it off they could end social distancing in a month. We're also joined by Professor Ian Hickie to answer your questions on mental health...

Scientists have given coronavirus to ferrets, dogs and cats to try and find out how the virus works. It turns out some animals can contract and potentially spread coronavirus – and that includes household pets. In today’s Coronacast, Dr Norman Swan and health reporter Tegan Taylor answer more questions from kids about the pandemic...

A week ago, we put the call out for coronavirus social media myths and asked you to send them in. And we got a lot of them. One of the most common was a fake email that says it’s from a staff member of a hospital. It contains a whole list of tips like don't drink cold water, and offers ways to check at home if you have coronavirus. So we took the claims, and put them to Dr Norman Swan...

One of the few things we're able to do with social distancing is go to the supermarkets. We've had heaps of questions from people who are wondering the best way to stay safe. So if you have to visit the supermarket this Easter, here's a few tips to avoid getting coronavirus when you're out and about...

British PM Boris Johnson’s health has deteriorated as he enters the second week of being diagnosed with COVID-19. The 55-year old's experience is what many people have gone through, but it shows the dangers people often face in the later stages of trying to fight off the virus. Today, Dr Norman Swan explains why it is known as the second week crash...

American President Donald Trump has been talking a lot about a certain drug called hydroxychloroquine. It's an old anti-malarial which is sometimes used to treat auto-immune diseases...

After insisting masks were unnecessary, US health authorities are now telling people to cover their faces in public to protect themselves from spreading or catching coronavirus. But in Australia, the message is that masks are crucial for health workers, but not recommended for the public. Dr Norman Swan and health reporter Tegan Taylor discuss the merits of masks, and if wrapping a scarf around your face will help. On today's show: * Masks...