Think coronavirus is a thing of the past? Think again. Here's what you need to know for fall 2024.
NEW YORK — Think coronavirus is a thing of the past? Think again.
As the summer virus surge ends and colder weather approaches, the disease is back in the spotlight, raising questions about what to do and how to protect yourself if you test positive.
Here's what you need to know for fall 2024.
new coronavirus vaccine
Last month, the Food and Drug Administration approved the latest coronavirus vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna for the fall 2024 season.
The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines this year will be tested against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease (COVID-19), as part of an annual update process by the FDA and health authorities around the world. Revised to cover the .2 variant. Vaccines to protect against new virus strains.
Both Moderna and Pfizer said they expect the first doses of their vaccines to be available across the country within days. Another advanced vaccine from Novavax is also expected to receive FDA approval this year.
Who should get the latest coronavirus vaccine?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all Americans 6 months and older receive the latest 2024-2025 coronavirus vaccine to protect against a further surge of the virus expected this fall and winter. We recommend that you take it.
The CDC recommends that most people get a flu shot in September or October of each year. This can be given at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine.
2024 COVID-19 Guidelines
In March, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced it would no longer ask Americans to stay home for five days after testing positive, but the center said it would no longer require Americans to stay home for five days after testing positive. provided the latest recommendations for prevention.
The CDC currently suggests the following for people who are sick:
Stay home until your fever has subsided for at least 24 hours and your symptoms have improved without resorting to fever-reducing medications Wear a mask for at least 5 days after leaving home Keep your distance from others Improve ventilation in your area
According to the CDC, “strengthening precautions is especially important to protect those most at risk of severe illness, such as people over 65 and those with weakened immune systems.”
How long will I continue to be infected with the coronavirus in 2024?
According to the CDC, people infected with COVID-19 can be contagious from 1 to 2 days before they develop symptoms to 8 to 10 days after they develop symptoms.
Medical research shows that people who are asymptomatic or show no symptoms can also transmit the virus.
Free coronavirus test
Starting in late September, Americans will be able to have free coronavirus test kits mailed to their homes.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees the process, has not announced the exact date for orders to begin. But once the federal program reopens, U.S. households will be able to order up to four free coronavirus nasal swab tests, according to COVIDtests.gov.
The test detects the current strain of the virus and can be ordered ahead of the holiday season, when families and friends gather to celebrate, an HHS spokesperson previously said.
What medicines should I take for the new coronavirus infection?
The CDC says most people infected with the new coronavirus have mild symptoms and can recover at home.
Symptoms can be treated with over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
For people who are more likely to get seriously ill, the FDA has approved or approved several antiviral drugs, including:
The combination of nilmatrevir and ritonavir (also known as paxlobid, an oral medication for adults and children over 12 years of age) Remdesivir, also known as Vekluri, an intravenous infusion medication given in the medical setting for adults and children, Molnupiravir or Lagebrio ( Oral medication for adults only)
Patients should work with their health care provider to determine the best treatment option for them.
