CDC-Updated Guidelines for COVID & Flu

I'm glad to see these guidelines repeated for people who ignore them, but unless I'm missing something from past years, just what has been updated?  It's unfortunate, but these "guidelines" just look like suggestions that most people won't even follow anyway.

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CDC updates guidelines for flu and COVID-19 prevention this winter

by Liz Bonis, WKRC

Mon, October 21st 2024 at 4:27 PM

"CINCINNATI (WKRC) — As winter approaches, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its guidelines to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses, such as the flu. The CDC now suggests getting an updated flu and COVID-19 vaccine each year.

"Jennifer Wick, director of ambulatory pharmacy at Christ Hospital, said, "While the flu shot may not 100 percent prevent you from getting the flu, it will prevent you from getting the more serious complications."

"If you do get sick, the CDC advises that regardless of which illness you test positive for, if you have a fever, you should stay home until it has been gone for at least 24 hours and your symptoms are improving. Afterward, wearing a mask is suggested for the next five days. During this period, it is also recommended to test to ensure your illness is gone, stay away from people most at risk for illness, maintain good ventilation, and wash your hands frequently. This is because you can still spread a respiratory illness even when you are feeling better.

"The CDC also notes that vaccinated individuals are less likely to transmit a virus compared to those who are not. Wick mentioned that many patients aim to get vaccinated around October, as virus season runs from now to March.

"The CDC emphasizes that these recommendations are most critical for those at high risk for severe illness, such as individuals 65 and older and those with weakened immune systems. "