from the editor
from the editor
Revised COVID-19 Precautions Reflect the Changing Pattern of Disease in the Community
Just this month , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) released 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 . The CDC says it is making updates to the recommendations now because the U . S . is seeing far fewer hospitalizations and deaths associated with COVID-19 and because there are more tools than ever to combat these illnesses .
It ’ s important to note that this updated guidance is intended for community settings , as there are no changes to respiratory virus guidance for healthcare settings .
As part of the guidance , CDC provides these recommendations on core prevention steps and strategies :
• Staying up to date with vaccination to protect people against serious illness , hospitalization , and death . This includes 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 .
• Taking steps for cleaner air , such as bringing in more fresh outside air , purifying indoor air , or gathering outdoors .
When people get sick with a respiratory virus , the updated guidance recommends that they stay home and away from others . For people with COVID-19 and influenza , treatment is available and can lessen symptoms and lower the risk of severe illness . The recommendations suggest returning to normal activities when , for at least 24 hours , symptoms are improving overall , and if a fever was present , it has been gone without use of a fever-reducing medication .
Once people resume normal activities , they are encouraged to take additional prevention strategies for the next five days to curb disease spread , such as 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 . Enhanced precautions are especially important to protect those most at risk for severe illness , including those over 65 and people with weakened immune systems . CDC ’ s updated guidance reflects how the circumstances around COVID-19 have changed . While it remains a threat , the CDC acknowledges that it is far less likely to cause severe illness because of widespread immunity and improved tools to prevent and treat the disease .
While every respiratory virus does not act the same , adopting a unified approach to limiting disease spread makes recommendations easier to follow and thus more likely to be adopted and does not rely on individuals to test for illness , a practice that data indicates is uneven .
“ The bottom line is that when people follow these actionable recommendations to avoid getting sick , and to protect themselves and others if they do get sick , it will help limit the spread of respiratory viruses , and that will mean fewer people who experience severe illness ,” says Demetre Daskalakis , director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases . “ That includes taking enhanced precautions that can help protect people who are at higher risk for getting seriously ill .”
Until next time , bust those bugs !
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6 • www . healthcarehygienemagazine . com • march 2024