Biotech
Wednesday, March 6th, 2024 5:49 pm EDT
Key Points
- CDC announces two major new Covid recommendations:
- Removal of mandatory five-day isolation period for individuals testing positive for Covid-19.
- Recommendation for seniors aged 65 and older to receive an additional updated shot against the virus.
- CDC aims to balance relaxation of guidelines with emphasis on vaccination importance and continued use of protective tools, acknowledging progress in reducing Covid-related hospitalizations and deaths.
- New isolation guidelines include criteria for resuming daily activities, additional precautions for individuals recovering from Covid, and citation of states with shortened isolation times and unchanged Covid-related outcomes.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced two significant Covid recommendations recently, reflecting the ongoing balancing act the agency faces amid the pandemic’s fifth year. Firstly, individuals testing positive for Covid-19 no longer require a minimum five-day isolation period, a contentious change aimed at simplifying guidelines and aligning them with reduced hospitalizations and deaths. Secondly, the CDC advises an additional updated shot for seniors aged 65 and older, highlighting the importance of vaccination in combating the virus, especially for higher-risk populations. The new isolation guidelines emphasize symptom improvement and fever absence for 24 hours, akin to advice for other respiratory illnesses, with recommended precautions for those recovering. Despite criticism, the CDC cites state examples where shortened isolation periods didn’t increase hospitalizations or deaths. Additionally, the agency recommends updated shots targeting the omicron subvariant XBB.1.5 for seniors and immunocompromised individuals, anticipating future rounds of new shots. Meanwhile, investments in women’s health technology show a promising uptick, albeit still representing a small fraction of overall venture funding for healthcare. General Catalyst’s venture into Summa Health marks an unprecedented move, aiming to transform healthcare through innovative platforms and technology, led by Dr. Marc Harrison under the Health Assurance Transformation Corporation (HATCo). The evolution of these healthcare recommendations and ventures underscores the ongoing challenges and opportunities in the healthcare landscape, particularly amid evolving pandemic dynamics.
For the full original article on CNBC, please click here: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/03/06/healthy-returns-what-to-know-about-cdcs-new-covid-recommendations.html
