COVID-19 Joins Seasonal Respiratory Viruses
CDC Guidance Update
March 1, 2024

 

CDC aligned COVID-19 with other respiratory viruses like influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) on March 1, 2024. Widespread immunity from vaccination and prior infection, plus effective treatments, allowed CDC to adopt a unified approach that emphasizes protecting people at higher risk and reducing strain on healthcare systems.

Earlier in the pandemic, COVID‑19 required distinct measures due to higher risk and uncertainty. By early 2024, the situation changed, so CDC moved to consistent recommendations across respiratory viruses. This means COVID‑19 is now part of the seasonal mix of respiratory viruses.

 

If You’re Sick

Step 1: What To Do if You Test Positive for COVID-19:

1. Stay home – Do not go to work, school, or public places.
2. CDC no longer uses a fixed “isolation” period. Instead, stay home until 24 hours after your fever is gone and symptoms are improving.
3. For the next 5 days, wear a well‑fitting mask around others and avoid people at high risk.
4. If you are higher risk (age 65+ or with certain medical conditions), contact a clinician quickly—you may qualify for antiviral treatment.
5. Hydrate, rest, and monitor symptoms. Seek care right away for trouble breathing, chest pain, new confusion, or other emergencies.

Not all respiratory virus infections cause fever—consider other symptoms (cough, muscle aches, etc.). If your symptoms are getting better and stay better for 24 hours, you’re less likely to pass infection to others—move to Step 2.

Step 2: Resume normal activities and add precautions for 5 more days

• Use additional strategies to lower spread:
  Improve indoor air (open windows, use HVAC fan, HEPA purifier)
• Practice hand hygiene and clean high‑touch surfaces
• Wear a well‑fitting mask around others and keep distance when possible
• Consider testing for respiratory viruses if symptoms persist or worsen

People at higher risk who feel sick should seek healthcare promptly to access testing and antivirals.

 

Testing

SITUATION	WHAT TO DO	NOTES
Symptoms of a respiratory virus	Use a 3‑in‑1 combo at‑home test (COVID‑19/Flu A&B/RSV) or get tested by a clinician.	At‑home antigen tests are convenient; if negative but symptoms persist, retest in 24–48 hours or seek clinical testing (PCR).
Recent exposure to COVID‑19	Test at ≥5 full days after last exposure, or sooner if symptoms develop.	Use added precautions during the 5‑day window.
Worsening illness or high‑risk patient	Seek clinical testing and care—results can open access to antivirals.	Test‑to‑Treat locator: https://treatments.hhs.gov/

More on testing: https://www.cdc.gov/covid/testing/ • NC testing info: https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/home-covid-19-tests

 

3‑in‑1 Combo Test Kits (COVID‑19 • Flu • RSV)

Where to get a kit:

• Public Health Vending Machines — 3‑in‑1 at‑home antigen kits are stocked (while supplies last). See locations list.
• Pharmacies/Retail — Many stores carry FDA‑authorized multiplex at‑home kits
• Clinics/Hospitals — Providers can run multiplex PCR panels when needed.

How to use:

• Follow the kit instructions exactly (swab collection and timing).
• If your first test is negative but symptoms continue, retest in 24–48 hours or seek clinical testing.
• Positive for any virus? Follow the “If You’re Sick” steps above and talk with a clinician if you are higher risk.

FDA authorized tests and instructions: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests

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PHHS Public Health Vending Machines

Find our Public Health Vending Machines at the following locations:

Cherokee Indian Hospital, Analenisgi Wing (1 Hospital Rd., Cherokee)
Big Cove Kolanvyi Community Center (8765 Big Cove Rd., Cherokee)
Big Y Community Club & Gym (2641 Wrights Creek Rd., Cherokee)
Cherokee County Indian Community Club (300 Airport Road, Marble)
Cherokee Tribal Food Distribution (2266 Old Mission Rd. Cherokee)
EBCI PHHS Administration Bldg. (43 John Crowe Hill, Cherokee)
Pamela Dawn Taylor Gym & Community Center (10 Old Gap Rd., Cherokee) 
Peaches Squirrell Sports & Recreation Center (1212 Birdtown Rd., Cherokee)
Snowbird Jacob Cornsilk Complex (60 Snowbird School Rd., Robbinsville)
Qualla Boundary Head Start & Early Head Start (897 Acquoni Rd., Cherokee)
Yellowhill Elawodihi Activity Center (1416 Acquoni Rd., Cherokee)

*Food Lion’s machine is awaiting service. Please use a nearby alternate location.*

 

Vaccines

Find appointments and walk‑ins: Vaccines.gov

 

Everyday Prevention

Cleaner Indoor Air:

• Increase outdoor air (open windows/doors when safe)
• Run HVAC fan during gatherings; use MERV‑13 filters if compatible
• Use portable HEPA air cleaners in shared spaces

Masks & Respirators

• Consider awell‑fitting respirator (N95) in crowded indoor spaces
• Mask for 5 days after returning to normal activities post‑illness

Hygiene & Habits

• Wash hands often (20 seconds with soap) or use sanitizer (≥60% alcohol)
• Cover coughs/sneezes; clean high‑touch surfaces
• Stay home when sick per guidance above

 

FAQS

When can I return to work or school?
When symptoms are improving for 24 hours and you’ve been fever‑free for 24 hours without fever reducers. For the next 5 days, add precautions (masking, cleaner air, hygiene, testing).

Can I get flu and COVID‑19 shots together?
Yes—coadministration is acceptable. Many pharmacies and clinics offer both at the same visit.

Should pregnant people get vaccinated?
Yes—flu and COVID‑19 vaccines are recommended during pregnancy. For RSV, a single dose at 32–36 weeks (seasonal) protects the infant’s first RSV season.

Do I need an RSV shot every year?
No. For older adults, current guidance is one dose (not annual). Updates will be posted if that changes.

 

Sources:

• CDC Respiratory Virus Guidance — https://www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/guidance.html
• CDC COVID‑19 Vaccines — https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/
• CDC COVID‑19 Testing — https://www.cdc.gov/covid/testing/
• COVID‑19 Test to Treat — https://treatments.hhs.gov/
• NCDHHS Respiratory Viruses Dashboard — https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/pages/respiratory-viruses
• CDC Ventilation Q&A — https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ventilation-qa.html
• FDA: Home/OTC COVID‑19 Diagnostic Tests — https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests
• CDC RSV Vaccination/Protection — https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/vaccines/

This page is informational and does not replace medical advice. For emergencies, call 911.