Scientists must create new recommendations and treatments as COVID-19 is further commingled with other viral illnesses. The Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) recently released updated recommendations for protection from respiratory viruses, including COVID, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). 

These viral illnesses can cause significant health issues and strain hospitals and healthcare workers if the spread is not managed well. The good news is that the U.S. is again seeing a substantial decrease in COVID hospitalizations and deaths, and there are more tools than ever to combat each virus. It’s exciting news, but it cannot deter our progress. 

To continue to move in a positive and healthier direction, the CDC still recommends core common sense tips for prevention, which include:

• Staying up-to-date with flu, COVID, and RSV vaccinations 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.

If you get COVID, flu, or RSV, use the strategies and tips below to get better and keep others safe:

• Stay home and away from others. 
• For people with COVID and flu, treatment is available and can lessen symptoms and lower the risk of severe illness. 
• Do not return to normal activities until after overall symptoms have improved for at least 24 hours. If a fever was present, only return if the fever left without fever-reducing medication.
• Once people resume normal activities, they are encouraged to take additional prevention strategies for the next five 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. 
• Enhance precautions if needed to protect those most at risk for severe illness, including those over 65 and people with weakened immune systems.
  

Reminders for Assistance

Staff Contact for COVID-19 Programs

Tiffany Givens - Infectious Disease Program - tgivens@advancingminorityhealth.org

Miracle Vance - Community Outreach Specialist - mvance@advancingminorityhealth.org