The U.S. Centers for Disease Control announced people no longer need to isolate for five days if you have COVID. The new guidelines advise folks to still stay home if they are sick, but they can return to work or school if they are feeling better, and have been fever-free for 24 hours.
LSU Health New Orleans Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Fred Lopez said this mirrors recommendations for other respiratory illnesses like flu and RSV.
“This is an approach that’s been used for some of those other respiratory viral illnesses that will now be applied to COVID-19 as well,” said Lopez.
Lopez points out that the CDC still encourages people to play it safe for five days, especially if they will be around others who are vulnerable to the virus.
“That you still use mitigation measures to prevent the transmission of illnesses. They still include masking, handwashing, and distancing,” said Lopez.
Lopez reminds us that if sick, we should stay home, and that hopefully the pandemic has erased the mindset that you are somehow a better employee or student if you show up sick.
While the new guidelines are welcome news, Lopez said COVID still presents a significant threat and remains highly contagious.
“Nearly 19,000 people are hospitalized in the U.S. and thousands are dying from COVID, so it’s not gone away but we’re in a better phase,” said Lopez.
If you are among the more vulnerable populations, Lopez recommends staying up to date on your boosters and along with vaccinations for other respiratory illnesses.
