As the threat from COVID-19 becomes more similar to other common respiratory viruses, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued updated guidance that unites and streamlines recommendations for dealing with a range of common respiratory viral illnesses, such as COVID-19, flu, and RSV.
According to the CDC, “While every respiratory virus does not act the same, adopting a unified approach makes recommendations easier to understand and thus more likely to be followed."
On March 1, 2024, the CDC dropped the 5-day isolation period for those who test positive for respiratory viruses and recommends returning to normal activities when symptoms have been getting better overall for 24 hours, and if a fever was present, it has been gone for 24 hours without use of a fever-reducing medication.
Once people resume normal activities, they are encouraged to take precautions for the next 5 days to curb disease spread, such as:
- Taking steps for cleaner air, such as bringing in more fresh outside air, purifying indoor air, or gathering outdoors
- Practicing good hygiene by covering coughs and sneezes, washing or sanitizing hands often, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces
- Wearing a well-fitting mask
- Keeping a distance from others
- Getting tested to inform your actions to prevent spread to others
Situations for which the Respiratory Virus Guidance does not apply
- The Respiratory Virus Guidance covers most common respiratory viral illnesses but should not supplant specific guidance for pathogens that require special containment measures, such as measles. The guidance may not apply in certain outbreak situations when more specific guidance may be needed.
- CDC offers separate, specific guidance for healthcare settings (COVID-19, flu, and general infection prevention and control
The key drivers in this updated guidance include a high degree of population immunity, fewer hospitalizations and deaths due to COVID-19, and the use of protective tools, like vaccines and treatments.
The CDC will continue to evaluate available evidence to ensure the recommendations in the guidance provide the intended protection. This includes monitoring data to identify and model patterns in respiratory virus transmission, severity, hospitalizations, deaths, virus evolution, and Long COVID.
To
read the full guidance or
frequently asked questions visit the CDC website.
