Tag Archives: cdc covid guidelines

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CDC urges masking return as tripledemic surges

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Story at a glance

  • The CDC is asking the public to wear face masks indoors.
  • A number of major cities are now mulling a return to masking measures.

(NewsNation) — Concerns are growing nationwide for rapidly increasing cases of what health officials have deemed a tripledemic: the flu, RSV and COVID-19, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is once again urging the public to wear face masks indoors.

According to the agency’s Dec. 8 report, 13.7 percent of Americans now live in communities now rated “high” COVID-19 Community Levels, up from 4.9 percent of the population last week. An additional 38.1 percent of Americans are in “medium” areas and 48.2 percent are in “low” areas. 

A number of major cities are now mulling a return to masking measures.

In California, more than 10 counties, including Los Angeles, Maricopa, Nassau and San Bernardino, are now in the “high” tier.

Los Angeles County health officials are again strongly recommending that everyone wears masks indoors.

Over the past week, Los Angeles hospitals saw an average of 1,245 COVID-positive patients every day — that’s a nearly 20 percent jump over the previous seven days.

“When you put on your mask for these few weeks during this surge, it is about the people of LA County. it is about every individual, every visitor, our health care workers, essential workers and other people who serve. in addition to vaccination, it is one of the easiest things everyone can do right now,” Barbara Ferrer, Los Angeles County director of public health, wrote in a press release.

In New York, a health advisory notice was sent out alerting hospitals, local health departments, emergency rooms and labs to prepare for rapidly rising cases of respiratory illness.

The Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island are in orange, meaning high-risk levels, while Manhattan is in yellow, the medium-risk level, according to the latest CDC data.

On Dec. 9, state officials urged schools to return to indoor masking to curb the spread of respiratory illnesses.

As the Christmas and New Year’s holidays approach, when families are expected to gather across the country, health officials fear that could put a significant strain on our health care system if people don’t take the proper precautions.

“Our immune system has not been revved up. The vaccine rates are lower. We are a prime sitting target for other respiratory illnesses as we relax our guard down and begin to have contact with other people,” said Bruce Hirsch, an attending physician in infectious diseases at Northwell Health.

Medical centers across America are reporting higher rates of hospitalizations, and nursing homes are pushing boosters for residents.

As for RSV, the ones at greatest risk are children 6 months and younger who haven’t built up strong immune systems yet. An RSV vaccine is reported to become available by this time next year.

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Chicago COVID update: With cases rising, officials urge face mask use over Memorial Day weekend

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CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago area public health officials are urging people to put masks back on in certain situations, especially over the Memorial Day holiday weekend.

The warning comes as a recent COVID surge has moved Chicago and many surrounding counties into the CDC’s high community transmission level. However, returning to a mask mandate seems a long way off.

Heading into the Memorial Day weekend, with many people planning to gather with family and friends, Chicago Commissioner of Public Health Dr. Allison Arwady urged people to wear masks when indoors with the city in the high risk category.

“We ask everybody for this short time period while we are in high put that mask on especially if you are in an indoor crowded setting,” Dr. Arwady said.

But, will people voluntarily comply? Psychiatric experts say compliance rates definitely increase if people are required to do something, but after two years, mandates are tough as people suffer from COVID fatigue.

“You can only demand conformity or mandate conformity for a period of time until people become weary of it,” said Dr. Robert Shulman at Rush University.

WATCH | Dr. Arwady on what it means when Chicago moves to ‘high’ COVID risk

Chicago’s not alone. In the Chicago area, Cook, DuPage, Lake (IL), McHenry, Will and Grundy counties all appeared as “high risk” on the CDC’s map when it was updated Thursday afternoon.

Despite the recommendation to wear masks, it is not a requirement for now.

“I’m going to wear my mask inside, it’s probably the right thing to do,” Michael Pattis said.

What does is mean to be at high COVID level?

“It’s hard to breathe, plus it should be your choice to wear one or not,” Raymond Rodgers said. “I’m not going to do it.”

In Chicago, compared to the start of the pandemic when 50 to 60 people a day were dying, the current average is less than one per day.

Despite an increase in hospitalization numbers, they’re still a fraction of what they were during the omicron peak a few months ago.

At Edward-Elmhurst Health, COVID-related hospitalizations have more than doubled in the past five weeks.

But compared to other surges, fewer patients are critically ill.

“Because of vaccinations and the protection they have and because of anti-viral treatments, we’re not seeing severe illness lead to death or ICU care as much,” Dr. Jonathan Pinsky, Medical Director of Infection Control at Edward Elmhurst Health, said.

But health officials are keeping a close eye on how stressed the healthcare system may become.

“If we see an increase in stress, than we’ll have to take other measures,” said Dr. Rachel Rubin, at Cook County Dept. of Public Health.

Rubin said hospitalizations can remain low if people do the right thing and mask up.

“What I would hope is for the management of these public spaces – whether it’s a retail establishment or event space – that they would do their best to ask people put masks on,” Rubin added.

To keep it under control, Arwady said more Chicagoans need to get boosted. The rate has remained low for months, with only 42% of eligible residents having received a booster shot.

In addition, Arwady said residents should avoid crowded indoor gatherings, limit gatherings to small numbers and test right away if you have symptoms.

Anyone who tests positive is asked to isolate for five days and if they are feeling better, they can go in public while wearing a mask for the next five days.

Copyright © 2022 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.



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Health

Chicago COVID update: With cases rising, officials urge face mask use over Memorial Day weekend

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CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago area public health officials have urged people to put masks back on in certain situations.

The warning comes as a recent COVID surge has moved Chicago and many surrounding counties into the CDC’s high community transmission level. However, returning to a mask mandate seems a long way off.

Heading into the Memorial Day weekend, with many people planning to gather with family and friends, Chicago Commissioner of Public Health Dr. Allison Arwady urged people to wear masks when indoors with the city in the high risk category.

“We ask everybody for this short time period while we are in high put that mask on especially if you are in an indoor crowded setting,” Dr. Arwady said.

WATCH | Dr. Arwady on what it means when Chicago moves to ‘high’ COVID risk

Chicago’s not alone. In the Chicago area, Cook, DuPage, Lake (IL), McHenry, Will and Grundy counties all appeared as “high risk” on the CDC’s map when it was updated Thursday afternoon.

Despite the recommendation to wear masks, it is not a requirement for now.

“I’m going to wear my mask inside, it’s probably the right thing to do,” Michael Pattis said.

“It’s hard to breath, plus it should be your choice to wear one or not,” Raymond Rodgers said. “I’m not going to do it.”

In Chicago, compared to the start of the pandemic when 50 to 60 people a day were dying, the current average is less than one per day.

Despite an increase in hospitalization numbers, they’re still a fraction of what they were. during the Omicron peak a few months ago…

At Edward-Elmhurst Health, COVID-related hospitalizations have more than *doubled in the past five weeks.

But compared to other surges, fewer patients are critically ill.

“Because of vaccinations and the protection they have and because of anti-viral treatments, we’re not seeing severe illness lead to death or ICU care as much,” Dr. Jonathan Pinsky, Medical Director of Infection Control at Edward Elmhurst Health, said.

To keep it under control, Arwady said more Chicagoans need to get boosted. The rate has remained low for months, with only 42% of eligible residents having received a booster shot.

In addition, Arwady said residents should avoid crowded indoor gatherings, limit gatherings to small numbers and test right away if you have symptoms.

Anyone who tests positive is asked to isolate for five days and if they are feeling better, they can go in public while wearing a mask for the next five days.

Copyright © 2022 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.



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Evanston, Illinois raises COVID transmission level to ‘high’ as cases climb; Recommendations issued based on CDC guidelines

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EVANSTON, Ill. (WLS) — Evanston is now at a “high” COVID community level, as defined by the CDC, due to rising hospitalizations, not just case numbers.

Over the past seven days, Evanston has reported 397 new confirmed COVID-19 cases, up from 305 the week prior.

US COVID death toll reaches 1 million; Biden marks grim milestone

As a result, Evanston’s Health and Human Services has made the following recommendations based on CDC guidelines:

-Wearing a mask indoors in public irrespective of vaccination status including K-12 schools and other indoor public settings
-Wearing a mask or respirator that provides greater protection if you are a high risk individual for severe disease
-Wearing a mask if you have symptoms, a positive test, or have had an exposure to someone with COVID-19

-Socializing outdoors if possible and avoiding poorly ventilated indoor settings
-Getting tested before attending a family or public event. Home tests are ideal for this purpose
– Contacting your doctor right away to get treatment for COVID-19 if you are diagnosed
– Staying up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines and boosters.
– Following CDC recommendations for isolation and quarantine, including getting tested if you are exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms of COVID-19.

Could COVID mask mandates return?

People flocking to restaurants in the north suburb Friday evening were seemingly unconcerned about rising COVID cases.

“We’ve been vaxxed, double vaxxed, triple vaxxed, and now it’s time to start getting on with life,” resident Mike Joyce said.

“I’m not too worried about it,” Christina Joyce said. “People already are very much experienced about how to protect themselves.”

Despite the elevated risk, Evanston’s Health and Human Services Director Ike Ogbo said the city is not bringing back mask mandates.

“But, we also have that in our tool box, if we continue to see a sustained high transmission rate in Evanston,” Ogbo said.

Instead, public health officials strongly recommend masking indoors, regardless of vaccine status and urge residents to get up to date with vaccination and boosters.

Ogbo said the same advice goes to Evanston Township High School students who are attending their prom this weekend.

“With any big event comes issues with contracting COVID,” Ogbo said. “That is why it’s necessary for individuals to follow these public health initiatives.”

Across our area, only Kenosha and Racine counties in Wisconsin are at a “high” community level. Other Chicago area counties are at “medium” or “low” risk, with the city of Chicago also at “medium.”

City officials say hospitalizations would need to double to go to the next level.

“It is possible we can go to high, but I don’t think it is imminent in the next week certainly,” Chicago Dept. of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady said. “But this is why we asking while we are at “medium” to put masks back on try to gather outside if you can.”

At the state level, officials said mask mandates are not being discussed.

“If we get in high, we’re going to ask people to be really careful and avoid indoor crowded spaces when possible,” said Dr. Amaal Tokars, acting director of Illinois Dept. of Public Health.

Cases and hospitalizations have been on the rise, but COVID-related deaths remain at a pandemic low. Officials credit the vaccine and effective treatments, and say now is the time to get vaccinated and boosted if you have not already.

Copyright © 2022 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.



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Is Sneezing a Symptom of COVID? How to Tell the Difference Between the Virus, Allergies and Flu – NBC Chicago

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Is sneezing a symptom of COVID-19?

Allergy-sufferers have been asking whether their recent symptoms are caused by the chilly environment, a cold, the flu or the coronavirus.

Experts say the only real way to know the answer is to test, but until then, health officials say to treat any possible symptoms assuming they are related to COVID.

“If you think it’s a cold, if you think it’s the flu, it’s probably COVID,” Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady said in a press conference late last month. “We need you to stay home if you’re not feeling well.”

Arwady said that now, as omicron cases continue to sprad, those who are fully vaccinated against COVID aren’t necessarily getting “seriously ill and having fevers for days and difficult breathing,” but are instead experiencing a more mild illness.

“They may only feel like they have a cold,” she said. “That’s good because they’re not getting seriously sick, they’re not threatening the healthcare system, but it’s certainly of some concern because they do have the potential to transmit to others.”

Doctors have reported some cases of what’s being called “flurona,” or a dual infection of both COVID and the flu at the same time. But according to Dr. Mark Loafman, chair of family and community medicine for Cook County Health, there’s no clear way to tell the difference between COVID or flu – and no real way to tell if you have both.

“We’re making most of those diagnoses clinically,” he said.

In hospital settings, testing “for not just COVID but for the whole respiratory panel” are increasing across the Chicago area, Loafman said, but testing for such cases is only done when a patient is sick enough to need medical care.

While the symptoms are nearly identical, there can be subtle differences, Loafman said.

“One thing is the fever with flu, with influenza, tends to be a little higher, but that’s subtle,” he said. “So 101, 102 [degree] fever can happen with COVID, the fever can get a little higher with flu but it can also be low-grade. So other than that, you know, coughs, headaches, stuffy nose… congestion, some shortness of breath – those are all very, very common for both flu and COVID and I think for most of us, we wouldn’t really be able to tell the difference.”

Sore throat continues to be a symptom reported, particularly in mild breakthrough infections, Arwady said during a Facebook Live last week.

“Especially in people who we’re seeing these more mild breakthrough infections, we are definitely seeing sore throat be a predictor in that group,” Arwady said.

She repeated earlier calls for people who have any flu- or cold-like symptoms to assume they have COVID “until proven otherwise.”

“Even if it’s a sore throat, no matter what it is,” she said. “I’ve told my own staff this, it’s what I do myself… if you are sick, even a little bit sick, stay home. More true than ever right now because sick, even a little bit sick, until proven otherwise with a test – that’s COVID. That’s how we treat it, that’s how you should treat it.”

Dr. Katherine Poehling, an infectious disease specialist and member of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, told NBC News last week that a cough, congestion, runny nose and fatigue appear to be prominent symptoms with the omicron variant. But unlike the delta variant, many patients are not losing their taste or smell.

The evidence so far, according to Poehling, is anecdotal and not based on scientific research. She noted also that these symptoms may only reflect certain populations.

Still, CDC data showed the most common symptoms so far are cough, fatigue, congestion and a runny nose.

Symptoms as Listed by the CDC

Overall, the symptoms for COVID reported by the CDC include:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

“This list is not all possible symptoms,” the CDC states. “Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.”

The CDC also has what it calls a “coronavirus self checker” that allows people to answer a series of questions to determine if they should seek medical care.

“The Coronavirus Self-Checker is an interactive clinical assessment tool that will assist individuals ages 13 and older, and parents and caregivers of children ages 2 to 12 on deciding when to seek testing or medical care if they suspect they or someone they know has contracted COVID-19 or has come into close contact with someone who has COVID-19,” the CDC’s website reads.

Here’s how to use it.

The CDC urges those who have or may have COVID-19 to watch for emergency warning signs and seek medical care immediately if they experience symptoms including:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion
  • Inability to wake or stay awake
  • Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone

You can also notify the operator that you believe you or someone you are caring for has COVID.

For the flu, the CDC lists the following symptoms:

  • fever or feeling feverish/chills
  • cough
  • sore throat
  • runny or stuffy nose
  • muscle or body aches
  • headaches
  • fatigue (tiredness)
  • Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults

For allergies, the CDC notes that some people may experience symptoms of rhinitis and conjunctivitis. Those symptoms include:

  • Symptoms from allergic rhinitis include:
    • sneezing
    • runny nose
    • congestion
  • Symptoms from allergic conjunctivitis include:
    • red, watery, or itchy eyes

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How Can You Tell the Difference in Symptoms? – NBC Chicago

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If you’re wondering whether that runny nose, sore throat or sneeze is simply allergies, just a cold, or possibly early signs of COVID-19 or the flu, you’re not alone.

With many experiencing cold-like symptoms, and with COVID and flu cases rising this winter, it can be hard to decipher what could be behind the onset of symptoms.

Experts say the only real way to know the answer is to test, but until then, health officials say to treat any possible symptoms as COVID.

“If you think it’s a cold, if you think it’s the flu, it’s probably COVID,” Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady said in a press conference late last month. “We need you to stay home if you’re not feeling well.”

Arwady said that now, particularly with the rise of omicron cases, those who are fully vaccinated against COVID aren’t necessarily getting “seriously ill and having fevers for days and difficult breathing,” but are instead experiencing a more mild illness.

“They may only feel like they have a cold,” she said. “That’s good because they’re not getting seriously sick, they’re not threatening the healthcare system, but it’s certainly of some concern because they do have the potential to transmit to others.”

Doctors have reported some cases of what’s being called “flurona,” or a dual infection of both COVID and the flu at the same time. But according to Dr. Mark Loafman, chair of family and community medicine for Cook County Health, there’s no clear way to tell the difference between COVID or flu – and no real way to tell if you have both.

“We’re making most of those diagnoses clinically,” he said.

In hospital settings, testing “for not just COVID but for the whole respiratory panel” are increasing across the Chicago area, Loafman said, but testing for such cases is only done when a patient is sick enough to need medical care.

While the symptoms are nearly identical, there can be subtle differences, Loafman said.

“One thing is the fever with flu, with influenza, tends to be a little higher, but that’s subtle,” he said. “So 101, 102 [degree] fever can happen with COVID, the fever can get a little higher with flu but it can also be low-grade. So other than that, you know, coughs, headaches, stuffy nose… congestion, some shortness of breath – those are all very, very common for both flu and COVID and I think for most of us, we wouldn’t really be able to tell the difference.”

Sore throat continues to be a symptom reported, particularly in mild breakthrough infections, Arwady said during a Facebook Live last week.

“Especially in people who we’re seeing these more mild breakthrough infections, we are definitely seeing sore throat be a predictor in that group,” Arwady said.

She repeated earlier calls for people who have any flu- or cold-like symptoms to assume they have COVID “until proven otherwise.”

“Even if it’s a sore throat, no matter what it is,” she said. “I’ve told my own staff this, it’s what I do myself… if you are sick, even a little bit sick, stay home. More true than ever right now because sick, even a little bit sick, until proven otherwise with a test – that’s COVID. That’s how we treat it, that’s how you should treat it.”

Dr. Katherine Poehling, an infectious disease specialist and member of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, told NBC News last week that a cough, congestion, runny nose and fatigue appear to be prominent symptoms with the omicron variant. But unlike the delta variant, many patients are not losing their taste or smell.

The evidence so far, according to Poehling, is anecdotal and not based on scientific research. She noted also that these symptoms may only reflect certain populations.

Still, CDC data showed the most common symptoms so far are cough, fatigue, congestion and a runny nose.

Symptoms as Listed by the CDC

Overall, the symptoms for COVID reported by the CDC include:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

“This list is not all possible symptoms,” the CDC states. “Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.”

The CDC also has what it calls a “coronavirus self checker” that allows people to answer a series of questions to determine if they should seek medical care.

“The Coronavirus Self-Checker is an interactive clinical assessment tool that will assist individuals ages 13 and older, and parents and caregivers of children ages 2 to 12 on deciding when to seek testing or medical care if they suspect they or someone they know has contracted COVID-19 or has come into close contact with someone who has COVID-19,” the CDC’s website reads.

Here’s how to use it.

The CDC urges those who have or may have COVID-19 to watch for emergency warning signs and seek medical care immediately if they experience symptoms including:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion
  • Inability to wake or stay awake
  • Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone

You can also notify the operator that you believe you or someone you are caring for has COVID.

For the flu, the CDC lists the following symptoms:

  • fever or feeling feverish/chills
  • cough
  • sore throat
  • runny or stuffy nose
  • muscle or body aches
  • headaches
  • fatigue (tiredness)
  • Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults

For allergies, the CDC notes that some people may experience symptoms of rhinitis and conjunctivitis. Those symptoms include:

  • Symptoms from allergic rhinitis include:
    • sneezing
    • runny nose
    • congestion
  • Symptoms from allergic conjunctivitis include:
    • red, watery, or itchy eyes

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How Long You’re Contagious, When to Quarantine and More – NBC Chicago

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As people continue to recover from holiday gatherings and others return to the workplace in the new year, many are wondering what the timeline is like if they develop a COVID-19 infection or are exposed to someone who has.

When are people with the coronavirus most contagious and how long can they spread it? When should you get tested after exposure and how long should you quarantine, if at all?

Here’s what we know.

When Are People with COVID Most Contagious?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued new guidance last month, shifting the timing for isolation and quarantine as some experts say the time frame when people are most contagious is earlier.

“It is taking less time from when someone is exposed to COVID to potentially develop infection. It is taking less time to develop symptoms, it is taking less time that someone may be infectious and it is, for many people, taking less time to recover. A lot of that is because many more people are vaccinated,” Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady said.

For those without symptoms, CDC guidance states they are considered contagious at least two days before their positive test.

“This has to do with data from the CDC that really showed after seven days there’s virtually no risk of transmission at this point,” Arwady said. “And in that five-to-seven-day window, you know, there’s some depending on whether people have been vaccinated, underlying conditions, etc., but the risk drops a lot and the feeling is that in the general population, combined with masking, etc. the risk really is very low.”

When is the Best Time to Get Tested After Exposure?

The CDC states that anyone who may have been exposed to someone with COVID should test five days after their exposure, or as soon as symptoms occur.

“If symptoms occur, individuals should immediately quarantine until a negative test confirms symptoms are not attributable to COVID-19,” the guidance states.

Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said that incubation times could be changing, but those who test early should continue testing even if they get negative results.

“We might be learning that the time of incubation might be a little shorter. So maybe you’d be testing at two days,” Ezike said. “Obviously if you’re symptomatic, you test right away. But you know, if you want to test at two days, but that negative test… the two days should not make you think, ‘oh good, I’m clear.’ You know, you might want to test again and of course symptoms can you cannot ignore – scratchy throat, headaches, all kinds of symptoms – anything new can be a symptom of this new illness.”

How Soon Might Symptoms Appear?

According to earlier CDC guidance, COVID symptoms can appear anywhere from two to 14 days after someone is exposed to the virus.

Anyone exhibiting symptoms should get tested for COVID-19.

How Long Should you Quarantine or Isolate?

First things first, those who believe they have been in contact with someone who has COVID and are unvaccinated should quarantine. Those who test positive, regardless of vaccination status, must isolate, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Here’s the breakdown:

Quarantine

Those who have been within 6 feet of someone with COVID for a cumulative total of at least 15 minutes over a 24-hour period should quarantine for five days if unvaccinated or more than six months out from their second dose, according to updated CDC guidance issued Monday.

Once that period ends, they should partake in strict mask use for an additional five days.

Previously, the CDC said people who were not fully vaccinated and who came in close contact with an infected person should stay home for at least 10 days.

Prior to last month, people who were fully vaccinated — which the CDC has defined as having two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine — could be exempt from quarantine.

Those who are both fully vaccinated and boosted do not need to quarantine if they are a close contact of someone with COVID, but should wear a mask for at least 10 days after exposure. The same goes for those who are fully vaccinated and not yet eligible for their booster shot.

Local health authorities can also make the final determination about how long a quarantine should last, however. And testing can play a role.

Illinois’ health department said it will adopt the CDC revised guidelines on isolation and quarantine for COVID.

In Chicago, those who travel to or from certain parts of the country and are unvaccinated must quarantine upon arrival to the city, but the length of time they should do so for depends on whether they get tested for COVID.

Isolation

People who are positive for COVID should stay home for five days, the CDC said last month, changing guidance from the previously recommended 10 days.

At the end of the period, if you have no symptoms, you can return to normal activities but must wear a mask everywhere — even at home around others — for at least five more days.

If you still have symptoms after isolating for five days, stay home until you feel better and then start your five days of wearing a mask at all times.

So how do you calculate your isolation period?

According to the CDC, “day 0 is your first day of symptoms.” That means that Day 1 is the first full day after your symptoms developed.

For those who test positive for COVID but have no symptoms, day 0 is the day of the positive test. Those who develop symptoms after testing positive must start their calculations over, however, with day 0 then becoming the first day of symptoms.

When Should You Call a Doctor?

The CDC urges those who have or may have COVID to watch for emergency warning signs and seek medical care immediately if they experience symptoms including:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion
  • Inability to wake or stay awake
  • Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone

“This list is not all possible symptoms,” the CDC states. “Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.”

You can also notify the operator that you believe you or someone you are caring for has COVID.

What If You Test Positive Using an At-Home Test?

Those who test positive using an at-home test are asked to follow the latest CDC guidelines and communicate the results to their healthcare provider, who is responsible for reporting test results to the state health department.

According to Chicago-area health departments, people should assume the test results are accurate and should isolate from others to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

“If you test positive for COVID-19, you must isolate,” Arwady said. “There is no need to repeat a positive at-home test in a medical setting. We don’t want people going into the emergency department just to get a tested. Treat a positive as a positive, stay home and isolate for five days.”

When Can You Be Around Other People After Having COVID?

If you had symptoms, the CDC says you can be around others after you isolate five days and stop exhibiting symptoms. However, you should continue to wear masks for five days to minimize the risk to others.

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How Long Are You Contagious With Omicron COVID Infection? Here’s What Health Experts Say – NBC Chicago

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As more children remain in classrooms across Chicago and omicron cases continue to surge through the city, people are asking how long they’ll be contagious after contracting COVID-19.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued new guidance last month, shifting the timing for isolation and quarantine as some experts say the time frame when people are most contagious is earlier.

“It is taking less time from when someone is exposed to COVID to potentially develop infection. It is taking less time to develop symptoms, it is taking less time that someone may be infectious and it is, for many people, taking less time to recover. A lot of that is because many more people are vaccinated,” Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady said.

The Illinois Department of Public Health said the changes from the CDC come as “the omicron variant continues to spread throughout the U.S. and reflects the current science on when and for how long a person is most infectious.”

So what is the period where someone with COVID is most contagious?

Here’s what we know.

When Are People with COVID Most Contagious?

The CDC says that its guidelines were updated to reflect growing evidence that suggests transmission of COVID-19 often occurs one to two days before the onset of symptoms and during the two to three days afterward. 

“This has to do with data from the CDC that really showed after seven days there’s virtually no risk of transmission at this point,” Arwady said. “And in that five-to-seven-day window, you know, there’s some depending on whether people have been vaccinated, underlying conditions, etc., but the risk drops a lot and the feeling is that in the general population, combined with masking, etc. the risk really is very low.”

For those without symptoms, CDC guidance states they are considered contagious at least two days before their positive test.

When is the Best Time to Get Tested After Exposure?

The CDC states that anyone who may have been exposed to someone with COVID should test five days after their exposure, or as soon as symptoms occur.

“If symptoms occur, individuals should immediately quarantine until a negative test confirms symptoms are not attributable to COVID-19,” the guidance states.

Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said that incubation times could be changing, but those who test early should continue testing even if they get negative results.

“We might be learning that the time of incubation might be a little shorter. So maybe you’d be testing at two days,” Ezike said. “Obviously if you’re symptomatic, you test right away. But you know, if you want to test at two days, but that negative test… the two days should not make you think, ‘Oh good, I’m clear,’ you know? You might want to test again and of course symptoms you cannot ignore – scratchy throat, headaches, all kinds of symptoms – anything new can be a symptom of this new illness.”

How Soon Might Symptoms Appear?

According to earlier CDC guidance, COVID symptoms can appear anywhere from two to 14 days after someone is exposed to the virus.

Anyone exhibiting symptoms should get tested for COVID-19.

How Long Should you Quarantine or Isolate?

First things first, those who believe they have been in contact with someone who has COVID and are unvaccinated should quarantine. Those who test positive, regardless of vaccination status, must isolate, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Here’s the difference between the two:

Quarantine

Those who have been within six feet of someone with COVID for a cumulative total of at least 15 minutes over a 24-hour period should quarantine for five days if unvaccinated, or if they are more than six months out from their second vaccine dose, according to updated CDC guidance issued Monday.

Once that period ends, they should partake in strict mask use for an additional five days.

Previously, the CDC said people who were not fully vaccinated and who came in close contact with an infected person should stay home for at least 10 days.

Prior to Monday, people who were fully vaccinated — which the CDC has defined as having two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine — could be exempt from quarantine.

Those who are both fully vaccinated and boosted do not need to quarantine if they are a close contact of someone with COVID, but should wear a mask for at least 10 days after exposure. The same goes for those who are fully vaccinated and not yet eligible for their booster shot.

Local health authorities can also make the final determination about how long a quarantine should last, however, and testing can play a role.

Illinois’ health department said it will adopt the CDC revised guidelines on isolation and quarantine for COVID.

In Chicago, those who travel to or from certain parts of the country and are unvaccinated must quarantine upon arrival to the city, but the length of time they should do so for depends on whether they get tested for COVID.

The city has not yet said if the new CDC guidance will change its travel advisory guidelines.

As of Tuesday, the city’s travel advisory recommends those who travel from designated warning states should:

  • Get tested with a viral test 3-5 days after travel AND stay home and self-quarantine for a full 7 days.
  • Even if you test negative, stay home and self-quarantine for the full 7 days.
    • If your test is positive, isolate yourself to protect others from getting infected.
  • If you don’t get tested, stay home and self-quarantine for 10 days after travel.

Isolation

People who are positive for COVID should stay home for five days, the CDC said Monday, changing guidance from the previously recommended 10 days.

At the end of the period, if you have no symptoms, you can return to normal activities but must wear a mask everywhere — even at home around others — for at least five more days.

If you still have symptoms after isolating for five days, stay home until you feel better and then start your five days of wearing a mask at all times.

So how do you calculate your isolation period?

According to the CDC, “day 0 is your first day of symptoms.” That means that Day 1 is the first full day after your symptoms developed.

For those who test positive for COVID but have no symptoms, day 0 is the day of the positive test. Those who develop symptoms after testing positive must start their calculations over, however, with day 0 then becoming the first day of symptoms.

When Should You Call a Doctor?

The CDC urges those who have or may have COVID-19 to watch for emergency warning signs and seek medical care immediately if they experience symptoms including:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion
  • Inability to wake or stay awake
  • Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone

“This list is not all possible symptoms,” the CDC states. “Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.”

You can also notify the operator that you believe you or someone you are caring for has COVID.

What If You Test Positive Using an At-Home Test?

Those who test positive using an at-home test are asked to follow the latest CDC guidelines and communicate the results to their healthcare provider, who is responsible for reporting test results to the state health department.

According to Chicago-area health departments, people should assume the test results are accurate and should isolate from others to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.

“If you test positive for COVID-19, you must isolate,” Arwady said. “There is no need to repeat a positive at-home test in a medical setting. We don’t want people going into the emergency department just to get a tested. Treat a positive as a positive, stay home and isolate for five days.”

When Can You Be Around Other People After Having COVID?

If you had symptoms, the CDC says you can be around others after you isolate five days and stop exhibiting symptoms. However, you should continue to wear masks for the five days following the end of symptoms to minimize the risk to others.

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Does Omicron Cause Loss of Taste and Smell? – NBC Chicago

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Experts say the only real way to tell if you have COVID is through testing, but how can you know if you have omicron or delta if you test positive?

It’s a question many are asking as omicron cases surge into the new year following holiday gatherings. Rapid and PCR testing only tell you if you have COVID, but they won’t tell you which variant you have, unless your sample gets sent to a lab for further analysis.

Doctors have said symptoms can vary based on vaccination status, but with omicron causing a rise in breakthrough infections, some are noticing one symptom in particular may be changing.

Dr. Katherine Poehling, an infectious disease specialist and member of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, told NBC News last month that a cough, congestion, runny nose and fatigue appear to be prominent symptoms with the omicron variant. But unlike delta, many patients are not losing their taste or smell.

The evidence so far, according to Poehling, is anecdotal and not based on scientific research. She noted also that these symptoms may only reflect certain populations.

Her comments echo those seen as the omicron surge first took hold in South Africa.

There, health officials advised people who suspected they contracted COVID-19 to watch out for common symptoms like a cough, fatigue or tiredness, congestion and runny nose.

But they noted the loss of taste and smell seems to be uncommon compared to other variants.

In a recent Nebraska omicron outbreak, five people were reinfected with COVID-19, according to a report from the CDC. Four of the individuals experienced loss of taste or smell during their first time with the virus, but none reported the symptoms during the second infection, the report stated.

Researchers studying an omicron-fueled outbreak at a Christmas party in Norway found that of the dozens of people who experienced symptoms, 12% reported reduced smell. Twenty-three percent reported reduced taste, the study showed.

Studies may only reflect certain segments of the population: young and otherwise healthy, as well as those who are fully vaccinated.

Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady, however, has said the symptoms with omicron aren’t changing, but the increase in vaccinations is changing how many are responding to the virus.

Arwady said that now, those who are fully vaccinated aren’t necessarily getting “seriously ill and having fevers for days and difficult breathing,” but are instead experiencing a more mild illness.

“They may only feel like they have a cold,” she said. “That’s good because they’re not getting seriously sick, they’re not threatening the healthcare system, but it’s certainly of some concern because they do have the potential to transmit to others.”

The unvaccinated, however, are experiencing similar symptoms to early on in the pandemic, Arwady said.

Still, CDC data showed the most common symptoms so far are cough, fatigue, congestion and a runny nose.

Overall, the symptoms for COVID reported by the CDC include:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

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What is ‘Flurona’ and What Are the Symptoms? – NBC Chicago

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Yes, it’s possible for someone to be diagnosed with both flu and COVID at the same time, doctors say. Cases of people who have tested positive for both viruses, in what has now been coined “flurona,” have been reported recently.

But despite some false portrayals online, the viruses have not merged to create a new illness. They remain separate infections.

“Flurona is a thoughtfully-named experience that can in fact occur. The flu virus and the COVID-19 virus are different enough that they’re different variants and they both can occur at the same time,” said Dr. Mark Loafman, chair of family and community medicine for Cook County Health.

Here’s what we know so far about “flurona” and what to expect.

Have there been any cases in the Chicago area so far?

Loafman said while he does not know of any cases in the Chicago area so far, he imagines “there are probably cases that have happened that we don’t know, haven’t tested for.”

“It does not seem to be common, but I would expect it would become more common as flu now is starting to emerge,” he said in an interview Friday.

Loafman said testing is increasing in the Chicago area “for not just COVID but for the whole respiratory panel,” which could lead to reporting of some “flurona” cases. But he noted that testing for such cases is largely done when a patient is sick enough to need medical care.

Will flurona cause more severe illness than COVID?

Experts say the severity of a dual infection could cause more severe illness, but that’s not always the case.

“A co-infection of any kind can be severe or worsen your symptoms altogether,” said Kristen Coleman, as assistant research professor at the University of Maryland School of Public Health.

Loafman agreed.

“It certainly can be more severe when you’re fighting a double infection, but the symptoms are so similar,” he said.

What are the symptoms of flurona?

According to Loafman, there’s no clear way to tell the difference between COVID or flu – and no real way to tell if you have both.

“We’re making most of those diagnoses clinically,” he said.

But while the symptoms are nearly identical, there can be subtle differences.

“One thing is the fever with flu, with influenza, tends to be a little higher, but that’s subtle,” he said. “So 101, 102 [degree] fever can happen with COVID, the fever can get a little higher with flu but it can also be low-grade. So other than that, you know, coughs, headaches, stuffy nose… congestion, some shortness of breath – those are all very, very common for both flu and COVID and I think for most of us, we wouldn’t really be able to tell the difference.”

Whether you were exposed or just aren’t feeling well, experts say to assume that those who believe they might have a cold could have coronavirus, particularly as cases of omicron surge nationwide, leading to milder breakthrough infections.

“If you think it’s a cold, if you think it’s the flu, it’s probably COVID,” Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady said in a press conference late last month. “We need you to stay home if you’re not feeling well.”

Dr. Katherine Poehling, an infectious disease specialist and member of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, told NBC News last month that a cough, congestion, runny nose and fatigue appear to be prominent symptoms with the omicron variant. But unlike delta, many patients are not losing their taste or smell.

The evidence so far, according to Poehling, is anecdotal and not based on scientific research. She noted also that these symptoms may only reflect certain populations.

Still, CDC data showed the most common symptoms, particularly with omicron so far, are cough, fatigue, congestion and a runny nose.

Overall, the symptoms for COVID reported by the CDC include:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

What should you do if you think you have flurona?

Unless you feel sick enough to seek medical help, Loafman said the guidance doesn’t change.

“Follow the same guidance that we’ve been saying all along,” Loafman said. “Stay home, stay away from others, and if you’re sick enough, if you meet criteria to need help, then, you know, the clinical setting will sort out which testing to do.”

It’s those who need treatment for the viruses that the diagnosis is most beneficial because the way in which the viruses are treated is different, Loafman said.

How can you know if you need medical help? Loafman said there are some signs to watch for.

“Shortness of breath, a fever that won’t go away, unusual chest pain – those are all symptoms that really require help,” Loafman said. “Most of the complications are respiratory, so shortness of breath, difficult breathing.”

The CDC urges those who have or may have COVID-19 to watch for emergency warning signs and seek medical care immediately if they experience symptoms including:

  • Trouble breathing
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • New confusion
  • Inability to wake or stay awake
  • Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone

“This list is not all possible symptoms,” the CDC states. “Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.”

You can also notify the operator that you believe you or someone you are caring for has COVID.

Can you get tested for both COVID and flu?

At-home tests for flu aren’t as widely available as those for COVID-19, but some pharmacies offer testing for both viruses at the same time, Coleman said. Loafman argued, however, that such testing is most useful in a clinical setting.

“Don’t rush out and try to find flu tests for yourself,” he said. “We’re not at the point yet where community-based testing is useful. Again, that’s really reserved for people sick enough to seek health care and where we need to sort out how best to treat the sick patient. That’s where flu testing really comes in.”

In hospital setting, testing “for not just COVID but for the whole respiratory panel” are increasing across the Chicago area, Loafman said, which could lead to confirmation of “flurona” cases in Illinois. But he noted that testing for such cases is only done when a patient is sick enough to need medical care.

That is particularly important, Loafman said, as COVID testing shortages continue to be reported across Illinois and as hospitals battle a rising number of patients needing treatment.

Laboratories might also be able to screen samples for various respiratory viruses, including common cold viruses. But most do not have the capacity to routinely do this, especially during a COVID-19 surge, Coleman said.

What about vaccinations for both?

Just like you can get both viruses at the same, you can also get both vaccines at the same time.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it is safe to get a flu and COVID-19 shot or booster at the same time.

“It’s really great to help people understand the safety of getting both vaccines simultaneously if you’re going in,” Loafman said. “You know, the immune system is incredibly talented and complicated and able to manage multiple exposures and antigens at the same time. Our bodies do that routinely in nature all the time. So having simultaneous injection of two or more vaccines at the same time, that doesn’t affect the efficacy. There are a few certain vaccines where we do stage it but for most of the vaccines, including flu and COVID, take them as soon as you can get them.”

Loafman adds that while both vaccines may not prevent infection entirely, they can help prevent serious illness from either virus.

When is the biggest risk period for flurona cases?

Loafman said flu cases are expected to continue rising through winter and early spring, but each year is different.

“Every year is a little different when it ends,” he said. “It always burns out at some point in the spring. But we’ve got three months and maybe longer to go and there will be more cases and the more there is the more they spread and the more illness that we’ll see.”

Meanwhile, omicron COVID cases continue to surge to record levels in Illinois and across the country. Some experts predict the variant could peak this month.

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