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COVID-19 General Health Sep 27, 2024

COVID-19 and Flu Season

Latest CDC guidelines and recommendations surrounding COVID-19 and the flu

Reviewed by: Lisa Doggett, MD, MPH, FAAFP, DipABLM
Written by: Ashley Lawrence

A young man lying on a couch, holding a tissue to his nose and mouth. He is covered in a throw blanket and medicine and tissues are visible on a coffee table in the foreground.

Fall has officially arrived, bringing with it promises of Texas football, sweater weather, and all things pumpkin spice. With the outside temperature gradually declining (ever so slightly), congestion and sniffly noses are sure to be on the rise. Be prepared this fall and winter season by exploring preventative measures and staying up to date on the latest guidelines.

COVID-19

COVID-19 is an extremely contagious respiratory condition. While most coronaviruses cause mild upper respiratory tract infections, infection with SARS-CoV-2 (the virus responsible for COVID-19) can result in serious illness, especially among vulnerable groups, including adults over the age of 65, individuals with underlying health conditions, and pregnant women. Symptoms can develop anywhere between 2 to 14 days after infection.

Recommendations for individuals with COVID-19*:

  • Individuals who are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms should isolate through day 5 and wear a mask through day 10
  • Individuals with moderate or severe symptoms should isolate through day 10 (those with severe symptoms may remain infectious beyond 10 days and may need to extend isolation for up to 20 days)
  • Individuals who are moderately or severely immunocompromised should isolate through day 20

*Day 0 is the day symptoms first appeared or when the specimen was collected for asymptomatic individuals with a positive test. Regardless of isolation recommendations, you should be fever-free for at least 24 hours after your fever has subsided without the need for fever-reducing medicine to end isolation.

The CDC recommends everyone aged 6 months and older get an updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against the potentially serious outcomes of COVID-19 illness.

“Staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations is essential for protecting yourself and your loved ones during the colder months when respiratory illnesses are more common,” says Lisa Doggett, MD, MPH, FAAFP, DipABLM, a board-certified family and lifestyle medicine specialist in UT Health Austin’s Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Center. “Receiving a COVID-19 vaccine remains the best protection against COVID-19-related hospitalization and death. Getting vaccinated also reduces your chance of experiencing long COVID, which can develop during or following acute infection and last for an extended duration.”

Explore answers to questions about long COVID.

<br>To combat the ever-evolving nature of COVID-19, which can lead to new variants and cause protection from vaccines to decline over time, the CDC advises receiving an updated COVID-19 vaccine if you haven’t done so in the last two months. Receiving a COVID-19 vaccine will help restore and enhance protection against the prevailing variants responsible for most infections and hospitalizations.

“The updated COVID-19 vaccines include reformulated options, such as the mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna as well as the protein-based Novavax vaccine,” explains Dr. Doggett. “With the potential for a winter surge in COVID-19 cases, these updated formulations can help reduce the severity of infections.”

To slow the spread of COVID-19:

  • Regularly wash your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water
  • Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces and objects
  • Avoid contact with individuals who have suspected or confirmed COVID-19
  • Stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations
  • Adhere to appropriate isolation guidelines (see above) if you have suspected or confirmed COVID-19
  • Get test for COVID-19 if necessary

Stay up to date on the latest CDC guidance regarding COVID-19.

<br>Flu

Seasonal influenza, or the flu, is an extremely contagious respiratory condition caused by influenza A or B viruses. Flu symptoms often manifest quickly, typically lasting 5 to 7 days, with lingering fatigue for up to 10 to 14 days. While most individuals recover without medical treatment, complications such as pneumonia can be life-threatening, especially in adults over the age of 65, children under the age of 5, and individuals with existing heart or lung conditions.

The flu is most contagious in the first 3 to 4 days after symptoms appear, which is why it is crucial to stay home and schedule a visit with your healthcare provider right away. Your healthcare provider can conduct a quick test to confirm whether you have the flu and prescribe antiviral medications that may shorten the length of your illness by 24 to 48 hours.

Recommendations for people with the flu:

  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
  • Minimize contact with others as much as possible
  • Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider
  • Stay home until at least 24 hours have passed after your fever subsided without the need for fever-reducing medicine

Learn more about your immune system and how it works.

<br>The CDC recommends everyone aged 6 months and older get a flu vaccination, ideally by October each year.

“Getting vaccinated in the fall helps protect you and your loved ones before flu activity peaks, typically in the winter months,” shares Dr. Doggett. “The vaccine takes about two weeks to become fully effective, so it’s best to get vaccinated before flu season begins. While flu vaccination doesn’t eliminate the risk of illness, it can make symptoms milder and reduce the chance of severe complications.”

To slow the spread of the flu:

  • Regularly wash your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water
  • Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces and objects
  • Refrain from touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
  • Avoid close contact with individuals who are sick
  • Stay up to date on flu vaccinations
  • Get tested for flu if necessary

Stay up to date on the latest CDC guidance regarding the flu.

<br>COVID-19 and the flu are both contagious respiratory illnesses and their symptoms are similar, making it challenging to distinguish between the two based on symptoms alone. You can reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19 and the flu by getting vaccinated. COVID-19 and flu vaccines can also be administered at the same time, streamlining the process by only requiring you to make one appointment. Stay safe and informed this fall and winter season.

COVID-19 and flu vaccinations are available through the H-E-B Pharmacy located on the first floor of the Health Transformation Building (HTB), which also houses the UT Health Austin clinical practice. Walk-ins and appointments are welcome.

To schedule an appointment with UT Health Austin, please call 1-833-UT-CARES (1-833-882-2737) or visit here.

COVID-19 General Health

About UT Health Austin

UT Health Austin is the clinical practice of the Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin. We collaborate with our colleagues at the Dell Medical School and The University of Texas at Austin to utilize the latest research, diagnostic, and treatment techniques, allowing us to provide patients with an unparalleled quality of care. Our experienced healthcare professionals deliver personalized, whole-person care of uncompromising quality and treat each patient as an individual with unique circumstances, priorities, and beliefs. Working directly with you, your care team creates an individualized care plan to help you reach the goals that matter most to you — in the care room and beyond. For more information, call us at 1-833-UT-CARES or request an appointment here.