CDC drops 5-day isolation guidance for people with COVID-19 – WMUR Manchester

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is dropping its five-day isolation guidance for anyone testing positive for COVID-19.Instead, the agency is recommending that people stay home until after they have been free of a fever for at least 24 hours and if their symptoms are improving. The CDC said the change is an effort to better align its advice and guidance for what people should do when they're sick with the flu or RSV. Officials said the country has reached a steady state with the virus, with fewer infections happening in large waves.The update applies only to community settings and is not for hospitals or other heath care settings. >> Download the free WMUR app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play <

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is dropping its five-day isolation guidance for anyone testing positive for COVID-19.

Instead, the agency is recommending that people stay home until after they have been free of a fever for at least 24 hours and if their symptoms are improving.

The CDC said the change is an effort to better align its advice and guidance for what people should do when they're sick with the flu or RSV. Officials said the country has reached a steady state with the virus, with fewer infections happening in large waves.

The update applies only to community settings and is not for hospitals or other heath care settings.

>> Download the free WMUR app to get updates on the go: Apple | Google Play <<

The CDC said that even if isolation isn't recommended, people who have COVID-19 should take extra precautions after their fever has ended, including masking and limiting close contact with others, to lower the risk of spreading the virus.

The agency noted that severe outcomes from COVID-19, including hospitalization and death, have been dropping since 2020 and 2021.

The new guidelines came days after the CDC said people age 65 and older can get another booster of the vaccine this spring if it has been at least four months since their last shot.

Officials said the new announcement doesn't mean all viruses have the same impacts, but instead, having recommendations that are more uniform and symptom-based makes them easier and more likely for people to follow.

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CDC drops 5-day isolation guidance for people with COVID-19 - WMUR Manchester