On March 1st the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released updated respiratory infection guidelines. In a significant departure from existing guidelines that have been in place since the arrival of Covid, the CDC is now combining their recommendations for all respiratory infections into one protocol.
People with respiratory illnesses, including Covid, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and other typical coughs and colds, should stay home and away from others if they have such respiratory virus symptoms as fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose, and headache that are not better explained by another cause. Once infected people are fever-free for 24 hours without the aid of fever-lowering medications AND their symptoms are improving, they may resume usual daily activities.
The CDC further recommends that those ending isolation should:
· Limit close contact with others.
· Wear well-fitted masks.
· Practice good hygiene.
· Improve indoor air quality (for example, using high-quality air filters in central heat and air systems and/or using portable air filters within your home.)
If you have questions about your particular situation, contact your doctor for specific guidance.