COVID-19: A Comprehensive Guide to the Current State of the Virus and How to Reduce Your Risk
A lot has changed since SARS-CoV-2 (the virus responsible for COVID-19) appeared on the world stage four years ago. In 2020, the novel coronavirus infected and upended the daily lives of millions of people, but today life has mostly returned to normal. However, with restrictions lifted and people being less cautious, it’s important to understand the current state of COVID-19 and how to reduce your risk. Here’s a guide with everything you need to know.
Isolation Guidelines
The latest guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that you only need to isolate if you test positive until you are fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication. The CDC has dropped its previous recommendation of a minimum five-day isolation period. The new guidance advises people to take the same precautions they would when sick with other respiratory viruses like RSV and flu.
Why are the guidelines changing now? The CDC has relaxed its recommendations due to two primary reasons. Firstly, the majority of Americans now have some immunity against COVID-19, and secondly, the virus is causing fewer hospitalizations and deaths compared to previous years. Research suggests that more than 96% of people 16 and older have antibodies that fight the COVID virus. While the number of COVID cases remains high, there were 28% fewer hospitalizations and a decrease in deaths compared to last year.
Testing
As of March 8, the U.S. government’s program offering free COVID tests to be mailed to Americans’ homes will be suspended. However, each household can still order four free rapid COVID tests until then. At-home COVID antigen tests are less precise than molecular tests performed at hospitals or clinics, but they should still be able to pick up newer variants. If you get a negative result on an at-home COVID test, the FDA recommends testing again 48 hours later, even if you don’t have symptoms.
Vaccines
An updated COVID booster shot can be expected this fall, targeting the XBB.1.5 Omicron strain. The CDC recommends that all adults aged 65 and older get a booster dose of the updated monovalent vaccine. The updated vaccine is expected to be effective against currently circulating variants. COVID vaccines are covered by insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid. Free COVID vaccines are also available for uninsured and underinsured adults through the federal Bridge Access Program.
Variants
The most dominant COVID variant right now is JN.1, accounting for over 90% of cases nationwide. It is descended from the BA.2.86 variant. HV.1, which was once the most dominant variant, is the second-most common nationwide. Newer variants appear to be more transmissible but don’t seem to be growing more dangerous.
Masks
Masking at this point is a personal choice, but the CDC suggests using hospital admission levels in your area to determine whether a mask is necessary. The CDC also recommends considering a mask when there are a lot of respiratory illnesses spreading in your community or when you or those around you are at risk of becoming severely ill from respiratory viruses. While federal mask mandates are unlikely to return, some individual institutions have implemented masking requirements.
Conclusion
As we navigate through the current state of COVID-19, it’s important to stay informed and take necessary precautions to reduce our risk. Guidelines and recommendations may change based on evolving data and circumstances, so it’s crucial to stay updated with reliable sources like the CDC. By following proper isolation guidelines, getting tested when necessary, staying up-to-date with vaccines, and making informed decisions about masking, we can continue to protect ourselves and others in this ongoing battle against COVID-19.
