Key TakeawaysThe CDC says face masks should be worn any time a person is outside of their home.Face masks should also be worn inside the home if there is any potential risk of COVID-19 exposure.Consistent face mask wearing is what matters most. The type of mask you wear may vary depending on where you are. Key Takeaways The CDC says face masks should be worn any time a person is outside of their home....

An older adult in Louisiana has been hospitalized with bird flu, the first severe human case ofavian influenza A (H5N1), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC said that the patient, who has underlying health conditions, likely contracted the virus after exposure to sick and dead birds in backyard flocks. This is the first U.S. case of H5N1 bird flu linked to backyard poultry. On the same day, California declareda state of emergencyover bird flu....

Key TakeawaysAlthough the overall risk to pregnant people remains small, new research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has shown that pregnant people with COVID-19 are more likely to be admitted to the ICU and need a ventilator.Experts say that people who are pregnant might be at an increased risk for severe illness in part because of the changes in their immune system and respiratory system.CDC researchers found that people who tested positive for COVID-19 during pregnancy were also more likely to deliver their babies early....

Key Takeaways “It is my job to recognize where our actions can have the greatest impact,” CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky, MD, MPH said in a press statement. Under the new designation, the CDC now recommends a third Pfizer shot for people over 65, residents in long-term care facilities, all adults who have underlying medical conditions, and people who are at occupational risk of COVID-19 transmission such as healthcare workers and teachers....

Key TakeawaysThe CDC removed its mask recommendations for people in low-or-medium risk U.S. counties based on COVID-19 hospitalizations in the area area.Masks are still recommended in schools and indoor settings in high-risk counties, which account for about 40% of the country.The CDC has shifted its focus from new cases to hospitalizations to determine when masks are recommended.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Friday said people living in areas where COVID-19 hospitalizations are low can go indoors without masks....

Key TakeawaysThe CDC said widespread vaccine uptake, availability of COVID-19 treatment, and high rates of population immunity made it possible for withdrawing the testing rule for air travelers.Experts don’t expect the decision to cause an increase in infection rates this summer.Testing before boarding the plane is still recommended, and those who test positive should delay their travel plan. Key Takeaways The CDC said widespread vaccine uptake, availability of COVID-19 treatment, and high rates of population immunity made it possible for withdrawing the testing rule for air travelers....

Key TakeawaysThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has established a classification system for COVID-19 variants based on the level of threat they pose to the public.Variants are classified as being of interest, concern, or high consequence.There are currently no COVID-19 variants classified as high consequence in the U.S. Key Takeaways The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has established a classification system for COVID-19 variants based on the level of threat they pose to the public....

Key TakeawaysThe CDC has added Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines to its list of recommended boosters.People who received a Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months ago are eligible to get any authorized booster.CDC panelists advised that young women and those who developed blood clots after their original Johnson & Johnson shot should seek out a Pfizer or Moderna booster. Key Takeaways The CDC has added Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines to its list of recommended boosters....

Key TakeawaysThe CDC broadened its list of conditions associated with severe COVID-19 risk, as well as conditions thatmightbe associated with COVID-19 risk.People of any age with an underlying health condition are at risk of developing a severe form of COVID-19.Even without a health condition, risk increases as you get older. Key Takeaways The CDC broadened its list of conditions associated with severe COVID-19 risk, as well as conditions thatmightbe associated with COVID-19 risk....

Key TakeawaysThe high-dose flu vaccine is one of the options available to adults over 65 right now.The CDC is discussing whether the high-dose flu vaccine is better for people in this age group than other vaccines.No decision has been made at this point.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is considering recommending a high-dose flu shot for adults over 65 over other options that are currently available. CDC officials discussed making the change at a meeting for the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) earlier this week....

Key TakeawaysParvovirus B19 has been rising in the U.S., particularly among children.Most people infected with the virus show no symptoms, but it can pose serious risks to pregnant people and immunocompromised individuals.There’s no vaccine or specific treatment for parvovirus B19.Last week, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)published a health alertdue to a significant uptick inparvovirus B19cases and the presence of associated antibodies.Parvovirus B19 is also known as Fifth disease or “slapped cheek syndrome” because of the characteristic facial rash....

Key TakeawaysThe CDC has issued its first set of guidelines on activities people can resume after completing their COVID-19 vaccinations.The guidelines OK small indoor gatherings among people who have been vaccinated without the need for masks or social distancing.It is also OK for unvaccinated people from one other household to be in attendance if they are not at risk for severe illness from COVID-19.The CDC continues to recommend avoiding non-essential travel....

Key TakeawaysThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reduced the length of time a person should quarantine following exposure to a person who has been diagnosed with coronavirus from 14 days to seven to 10 days.The health organization will continue to recommend a 14-day quarantine as the ideal length of time to quarantine following close contact exposure.Experts say the reduced quarantine recommendation is a result of the possible personal, mental, and economic burden individuals may endure as a result of quarantine, therefore leading to a possible lack of compliance....