WBD RESPIRATORY VIRUS AND COVID-19 BEST PRACTICES

As the threat from COVID-19 becomes more similar to that of other common respiratory viruses, CDC is issuing Respiratory Virus Guidance, rather than additional virus-specific guidance. This unified approach addresses risks associated with common respiratory illnesses. The guidance provides practical recommendations to help reduce risk, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV.

Preventing Respiratory Viruses

CDC's Respiratory Virus Guidance provides practical recommendations and information to help people lower health risks posed by a range of common respiratory viral illnesses, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV. In addition to the virus that causes COVID-19, there are many other types of respiratory viruses, including flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

CDC recommends that all people use core prevention strategies. These are important steps you can take to protect yourself and others:

Stay up to date with immunizations Practice good hygiene (practices that improve cleanliness) Take steps for cleaner air When you may have a respiratory virus:

• Use precautions to prevent spread
• Seek health care promptly for testing and/or treatment if you have risk factors for severe illness; treatment may help lower your risk of severe illness

What to do when you are sick‎

CDC recommends you stay home and away from others until at least 24 hours after both your symptoms are getting better overall, and you have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication). Resume normal activities and use added prevention strategies over the next five days.

For additional information on Respiratory Viruses and how to protect yourself and others, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/about/index.html.