Photo: Ford, Brad
Oregon health officials are endorsing new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance that codifies recent recommendations for limiting the spread of respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV.
Epidemiologists with the Acute and Communicable Disease Prevention Section at OHA’s Public Health Division distributed a statewide Health Alert Network (HAN) advisory to remind clinicians, preparedness staff, laboratories and public health agencies about the new Respiratory Virus Guidance. The CDC launched the guidance March 1.
“This updated guidance represents a milestone in bringing a range of respiratory viruses under a single set of recommendations for preventing transmission in communities, and it aligns with changes made in Oregon in May 2023,” said Dean Sidelinger, M.D., M.S.Ed., health officer and state epidemiologist at OHA. “Oregon fully supports this approach for lowering health risks posed by these viruses. While many are ready to move on from any discussion of COVID-19, respiratory viruses are still impacting many of us. If we all take these steps, we can help to keep our loved ones healthy.”
The updated guidance advises people with respiratory symptoms to stay home until they have been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications, and their symptoms are improving. They also urge people to protect those around them – older adults, young children and people with weakened immune systems, with disabilities or who are pregnant – by taking additional precautions for the next five days to curb disease spread, including:
- Wearing a well-fitting mask.
- Taking steps for cleaner air, such as by opening windows, using air purifiers and gathering outdoors.
- Keeping a distance from others.
- Enhancing hygiene practices, such as covering cough and sneezes, and washing hands.
- Getting tested to inform your actions to prevent spread to others.
The updated guidance also recommends people stay up to date with immunizations, which are available for COVID-19, influenza and RSV.
The isolation recommendations outlined above are intended for people in most settings across Oregon, but not in health care settings. Recommendations regarding COVID-19 in health care settings are available here.
More information about updated federal guidance is available on a Background for CDC’s Updated Respiratory Virus Guidance page, and on an FAQ page. CDC guidance regarding COVID-19 in health care settings is available here.
Source: Oregon Health Authority