- Confused by the news about the recent changes to CDC guidance for COVID-19 exposure and social distancing? We’re here to help!
- How have the recommendations for individuals exposed to COVID-19 changed? The CDC no longer recommends that individuals exposed to COVID-19 immediately begin quarantine. HOWEVER, that doesn’t mean exposed individuals should just go about their normal lives. The CDC recommendations have two very important caveats: 1) Exposed individuals should wear a high quality mask, like a KN95 or N95, for 10 days following exposure, and 2) exposed individuals should take a test on day 5 after exposure and, if the test is positive, immediately begin isolating for at least 5 days and until they are fever free for 24 hours.
- How has the guidance on social distancing changed? We’ve seen some reports that the CDC no longer recommends social distancing. That is not entirely true. The CDC has simply put more emphasis on ventilation, testing, and up-to-date vaccination including boosters as key preventative actions. Masking and social distancing are still tools that can help limit the spread of COVID-19, particularly in designated as high according to CDC community levels or in settings where measures like ensuring good ventilation aren’t feasible.
- The CDC reported the first human infection with flu virus from pigs (commonly called “swine flu”) in 2022. The person infected contracted the virus from pigs at an agricultural fair in West Virginia. Community members who come in contact with pigs should review the CDC’s recommendations for preventing swine flu infections in humans. Precautions include washing hands before and after exposure to pigs, avoiding eating and drinking in the same area as pigs (e.g. in a barn with pigs), and, if someone is at higher risk for severe flu complications, masking when around pigs.
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