CDC Releases Updated Recommendations for Protecting Against Respiratory Viruses
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| Illustration: www.cdc.gov |
CDC released today updated recommendations for how people can protect themselves and their communities from respiratory viruses, including COVID-19. The new guidance brings a unified approach to addressing risks from a range of common respiratory viral illnesses, such as COVID-19, flu, and RSV, which can cause significant health impacts and strain on hospitals and health care workers.
As part of the guidance, CDC provides active recommendations on core prevention steps and strategies. This includes staying up to date with vaccination to protect against serious illness, hospitalization, and death from flu, COVID-19, and RSV if eligible. Practicing good hygiene by covering coughs and sneezes, washing or sanitizing hands often, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces is also recommended.
One of the recommendations in the updated guidance is taking steps for cleaner air. This can be done by bringing in more fresh outside air, purifying indoor air, or gathering outdoors. These measures help reduce the risk of respiratory virus transmission in enclosed spaces.
When people get sick with a respiratory virus, the updated guidance recommends that they stay home and away from others. Treatment options are available for COVID-19 and influenza, which can lessen symptoms and lower the risk of severe illness. The recommendations suggest returning to normal activities when symptoms are improving overall for at least 24 hours, and if a fever was present, it has been gone without the use of a fever-reducing medication.
Once people resume normal activities, they are encouraged to take additional prevention strategies for the next 5 days to curb disease spread. These strategies include taking more steps for cleaner air, enhancing hygiene practices, wearing a well-fitting mask, keeping a distance from others, and/or getting tested for respiratory viruses. These enhanced precautions are especially important for individuals at higher risk for severe illness.
The updated guidance includes specific sections with additional considerations for people who are at higher risk of severe illness from respiratory viruses. This includes people who are immunocompromised, people with disabilities, people who are or were recently pregnant, young children, and older adults. CDC aims to provide tailored recommendations to protect vulnerable populations.
CDC will continue to focus efforts on ensuring the public has the information and tools to lower their risk of respiratory illness. This updated guidance is intended for community settings, with no changes to respiratory virus guidance for healthcare settings.
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