The Latest CDC Changes to COVID-19 Guidelines

As we go through different phases of this pandemic and the issues that new COVID-19 variants bring, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is giving updated guidance on how we should handle exposure to the virus.

Centers Health Care takes a look at updated guidance that was issued in August 2022.

Testing and Quarantine Recommendation Changes

The CDC is no longer recommending that people who don’t have symptoms and weren’t exposed to the virus take a test to see if they are positive for COVID-19.

In addition, people who are either unvaccinated or not up to date on their vaccines do not need to quarantine if they were in close contact with someone who has the virus. Instead, it’s recommended that they just wear a high-quality mask for 10 days and then get tested on day five.

The guidelines to isolate for five days and then wear a mask through day 10 in response to a positive test have not changed. It’s important to note that these are for asymptomatic or mild cases, as more severe cases may require people to isolate longer.

New Vaccine Approved

A fourth vaccine for COVID-19 was approved by both the CDC and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The vaccine, created by Novavax, is a two-shot series for those 18 and older. It is created from more traditional vaccine technology than the methods used by Pfizer and Moderna, so the CDC is hoping that people who were not comfortable with those vaccines will instead choose the Norovax version.

Some Pharmacists Are Able to Prescribe Paxlovid

Paxlovid, an antiviral medication used to treat people with COVID-19, can now be prescribed by state-licensed pharmacists instead of a patient having to visit their doctor.

People seeking a prescription will have to provide the pharmacist with a list of medications they are taking along with results of blood work that is less than a year old in case there are liver or kidney problems.