2024 Respiratory Virus Guidelines

On March 1, 2024 the Center for Disease Control updated their guidelines regarding infection control procedures for COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses. Previously the CDC recommended 5 days of isolation followed by 5 days of masking for people infected with COVID-19. The new guidelines, listed below, no longer treat COVID-19 differently from other infections and are the same for all respiratory infections.

• When sick, stay home and away from others
• Return to normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, symptoms are improving overall, and if a fever was present, it has been gone without use of a fever-reducing medication.
• Once people resume normal activities, they are encouraged to take additional prevention strategies for the next 5 days to curb disease spread, such as taking more steps for cleaner air, enhancing hygiene practices, wearing a well-fitting mask, keeping a distance from others, and/or getting tested for respiratory viruses.
• Core prevention strategies
  • Staying up to date with vaccination to protect people against serious illness, hospitalization, and death. This includes flu, COVID-19, and RSV if eligible.
  • Practicing good hygiene by covering coughs and sneezes, washing or sanitizing hands often, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces.
  • Taking steps for cleaner air, such as bringing in more fresh outside air, purifying indoor air, or gathering outdoors.