Guidelines streamlined for COVID-19

The Centers for Disease Control has updated its guidance for COVID-19 in recognition that the nation is now in a much stronger place to deal with the virus and keep its citizens protected.

With vaccines, boosters and treatments now readily available, the CDC has said there is now significantly less risk of severe illness, hospitalization and death than earlier in the pandemic.

“This guidance acknowledges that the pandemic is not over, but also helps us move to a point where COVID-19 no longer severely disrupts our daily lives,” said Greta Massetti, CDC, in a press release.

The new guidance still recommends that you isolate if you have COVID-19, or if you are sick and suspect it could be COVID-19. However, you are not asked to quarantine if you are exposed to the virus, but instead to wear a high-quality mask for ten days and get tested on day five.

If you test positive, stay home and as isolated as possible for at least five days. Wear a high-quality mask if you must be around others at home and in public; do not go to places where you cannot wear a mask and do not travel.

Serious illness, while less likely, is still possible. Seek medical attention if you have trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion, an inability to wake or stay awake or pale, gray or blue-colored skin, lips or nail beds.

If you had no symptoms, end isolation after day five. If you did have symptoms, you may end isolation after day five if you have been fever-free for 24 hours and your symptoms are improving.

If you experience moderate (shortness of breath) or severe (hospitalization) illness, the CDC recommends isolation for ten days.

When you end isolation, the CDC recommends that you avoid being around people who are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19 until at least day 11. If your symptoms return or worsen, restart your isolation.

The CDC is also continuing to promote the importance of being up to date with vaccinations, the effectiveness of which will lessen over time. The current vaccine protects from severe illness, but not as much against symptomatic infection.