CDC Recommends Updated COVID-19 & Flu Vaccines as Cases Rise

"Make a plan now...to get both updated flu and COVID vaccines this fall."
– Dr. Mandy Cohen, CDC Director

As COVID-19 cases rise, the CDC urges updated vaccines for the upcoming virus season. The CDC tracks multiple variants, including frontrunner KP.3 and rising LB.1, circulating in the U.S. Test positivity increased by 1.4% as of June 22.

COVID Vaccines: The CDC recommends everyone 6 months+ receive the 2024-25 COVID vaccine, regardless of previous vaccination.

Flu Vaccines: Updated 2024-25 flu vaccines are also recommended. One dose is sufficient, ideally administered Sept-Oct.

COVID & Flu Together?: The CDC says it's safe to receive both vaccines in one visit.

Current COVID Variants: Per CDC's Nowcast data, for the period of June 9-22:

• KP.3: 33.1%
• KP.2: 20.8%
• LB.1: 17.5%
• JN.1: 1.6%

LB.1 Details: It's the newest variant in the U.S., but there's no indication it poses a serious risk, per CDC info. "No evidence LB.1 causes more severe disease," says CDC Spokesperson Dave Daigle.

COVID Symptoms: Wide range, appearing 2-14 days post-exposure:

• Fever/chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Aches/pains
• Headache
• Loss of taste/smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion/runny nose
• Nausea/vomiting/diarrhea

Seek medical attention for:

• Breathing trouble
• Chest pressure/pain
• Confusion
• Sleep issues
• Pale/gray/blue skin/lips/nails

COVID vs. Flu Symptoms: Flu symptoms appear suddenly, including fever, cough, sore throat, runny/stuffy nose, aches/pains, headaches, fatigue. Vomiting/diarrhea are also possible, more so in children.

Isolation: The CDC recommends staying home until fever-free for at least 24 hours and symptoms improve. It's an update from the 5-day minimum. Precautions for the next 5 days are urged, incl. cleaner air, hygiene, masks, distancing, and testing.

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Original article: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2024/06/30/covid-update-cdc-new-variant-circulating-us-heres-symptoms-look-out-flu/7007372002/