The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has eliminated its five-day isolation recommendation for those who test positive for Covid, according to CNN. Under the new guidelines, people no longer need to stay home if they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the help of medication, and if they have mild symptoms that are improving. This change to symptoms-based guidance is similar to recommendations for the flu and RSV.
Still, the agency recommends taking precautions for the next five days, such as wearing a mask, limiting contact with others and improving ventilation to lower the risk of spreading the virus. Earlier this week, the CDC advised adults ages 65 and older to receive an additional dose of the Covid-19 vaccination.
The agency tracks Covid hospital admissions across the country on a county-by-county basis. This data is updated weekly. The CDC recommends staying up-to-date on Covid vaccines, improving indoor air ventilation and avoiding contact with people who are suspected or confirmed to have the virus. People who exhibit symptoms, test positive, or who have been exposed to someone with Covid are encouraged to wear a mask while in public indoor spaces.
Covid Symptoms
Coronavirus symptoms can range from mild to severe. According to the CDC, symptoms usually appear two to 14 days after exposure and can include:
- Fever or chills;
- Cough;
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing;
- Fatigue;
- Muscle or body aches;
- Headaches;
- New loss of taste or smell;
- Sore throat;
- Congestion or runny nose;
- Nausea or vomiting; and
- Diarrhea.
Anyone experiencing the above symptoms is encouraged to take a Covid-19 test. Emergency medical attention might be needed if someone is having severe symptoms such as trouble breathing, persistent pain in the chest and an inability to wake or stay awake.
Treatment and Medication
According to the CDC, most people who contract a mild case of Covid-19 can recover safely at home, and symptoms can be treated with over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen.
For more severe cases, treatment must be started within five to seven days after symptoms first develop. The risk of for severe illness is higher for adults ages 50 and up, those who are unvaccinated or not up-to-date on their vaccines, and people with certain medical conditions such as chronic lung disease or a weakened immune system.
Several antiviral medications have been authorized by the FDA to treat mild to moderate cases. These include:
- Paxlovid: An oral medication for adults and children ages 12 years and older
- Veklury: An IV infusion that adults and children can receive at a health-care facility for three consecutive days
- Lagevrio: An oral medication available only for adults
A Treatment Locator from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services displays pharmacies, clinics and other locations across the U.S. that offer safe and effective Covid medications.
