Key Takeaways The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced on Monday that the agency is shortening the isolation time for people who test positive for COVID-19 from 10 days to five days . The guidance follows shortened recommendations for healthcare workers who test positive for the virus, released just before Christmas. What Is Isolation?Isolationis the term for what you do when you have a confirmed COVID infection, even if you do not have symptoms....

Key TakeawaysThe CDC lowered its blood lead reference value for lead poisoning from 5 to 3.5 mg per deciliter of blood.No level of lead is safe. Lead exposure is harmful to children and their long-term health.Over half of U.S. children have detectable levels of lead in their blood, according to a recent study. Key Takeaways The CDC lowered its blood lead reference value for lead poisoning from 5 to 3.5 mg per deciliter of blood....

Key TakeawaysThe CDC now recommends RSV vaccination for all adults older than 75 and for high-risk individuals ages 60 to 74.The updated guidance aims to simplify the decision-making process for both healthcare providers and the public.The RSV vaccine has shown significant effectiveness in reducing hospitalization and death rates, particularly for those older than 75. Key Takeaways The CDC now recommends RSV vaccination for all adults older than 75 and for high-risk individuals ages 60 to 74....

Key Takeaways One in four U.S. adults is now fully vaccinated against COVID-19, inching the nation closer to reaching herd immunity.Now, experts are looking to see how the vaccines are holding up in real-world settings outside of clinical trials. Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released data from a real-world study confirming that the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines worked at preventing infections in real-world settings (outside of the lab) where healthcare personnel, essential workers, and first responders work....

Key Takeaways The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued new COVID-19 travel guidelines for more than 120 countries. The updated advice offers detailed information on specific countries for travelers who are vaccinated and for those who aren’t. The CDC specifically assigns risk levels to each country based on the number of cases per 100,000 people. State Department Aligns with CDC on COVID-19 Travel Advisories The new guidance arrives as COVID-19 cases dip to low levels previously seen at the start of the pandemic in March 2020....

Key TakeawaysThe CDC has issued a health alert for Oropouche virus, an endemic vector-borne disease in parts of South America.Oropouche virus symptoms resemble those of dengue and Zika, including fever, chills, muscle pain, and headache. Severe cases can cause neurological issues and hemorrhaging.There is no vaccine or specific treatment for the virus. Key Takeaways The CDC has issued a health alert for Oropouche virus, an endemic vector-borne disease in parts of South America....

Key TakeawaysThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has updated its guidance for hepatitis B testing. It now recommends that everyone over age 18 be tested for hepatitis B at least once in their lifetime.This is the first change in testing recommendations since 2008 and makes testing universal for adults, rather than based on whether a person has any risk factors for hepatitis B infection.The CDC also recommends that adults aged 18 to 59 get vaccinated against hepatitis B if they haven’t already....

Key TakeawaysAll individuals aged 2 and older must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to boarding a plane to the U.S.The CDC now requires travelers to take the test within a day of departure, rather than within three days, as was previously allowed.People using transportation services, like planes and trains, must also continue to wear face coverings through mid-March. Key Takeaways All individuals aged 2 and older must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test prior to boarding a plane to the U....

Key TakeawaysThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is now recommending that physicians discuss prophylactic drugs that reduce the risk of HIV transmission (PrEP) with all of their patients who are sexually active.A brief discussion of a patient’s sexual history should be part of primary care and should guide physicians in discussing whether patients might need PrEP.Many physicians skip taking a sexual history of patients—either because of their own or their patients’ discomfort....

Key TakeawaysThe CDC has released detailed guidance on cleaning your home to protect against the spread of COVID-19.A standard household clean with soap or detergent is sufficient in most cases.Disinfectants can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 when someone in your home is sick.When the COVID-19 pandemic first hit, many people rushed to buy all the disinfectants they could find. But now, it seems, that level of cleaning power may not be necessary for most homes....

Key TakeawaysThe CDC says second doses of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines can be administered as late as six weeks after the first dose.While the agency didn’t give a reason for this update, the fact that states are running out of vaccines may necessitate the extension until supply is more steady. Key Takeaways The CDC says second doses of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines can be administered as late as six weeks after the first dose....

Key Takeaways The CDC said in a recent letter to the cruise industry that it will allow cruise companies to skip testing passengers and staff if they can vow that 98% of the crew and 95% of passengers are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Cruise operators are currently required to conduct simulated voyages to test health and safety protocols. In the letter, the CDC says it will review and respond to applications from cruise lines for simulated voyages within 5 days, a review previously expected to take 30 days....

Key TakeawaysCases of COVID-19 linked to the Delta variant are increasing in the United States.The Delta variant may spread more easily than the initial strain of the COVID virus and may also cause more severe illness (leading to hospitalization and even death).Being fully vaccinated against COVID is the best protection against the Delta variant. Key Takeaways Cases of COVID-19 linked to the Delta variant are increasing in the United States.The Delta variant may spread more easily than the initial strain of the COVID virus and may also cause more severe illness (leading to hospitalization and even death)....