Updated CDC recommendations address the prevention of respiratory viruses, emphasizing vaccines, hygiene, and air quality. The guidance is tailored to the current COVID-19 context and aims to protect vulnerable groups. Credit: James Gathany, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
“Today’s announcement reflects the progress we have made in protecting against severe illness from COVID-19,” said CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen. “However, we still must use the commonsense solutions we know work to protect ourselves and others from serious illness from respiratory viruses—this includes vaccination, treatment, and staying home when we get sick.”, such as bringing in more fresh outside air, purifying indoor air, or gathering outdoors.
While every respiratory virus does not act the same, adopting a unified approach to limiting disease spread makes recommendations easier to follow and thus more likely to be adopted and does not rely on individuals to test for illness, a practice that data indicates is uneven.