CDC Guidelines Change, Omicron, IHU, flurona, and other COVID-19 updates

I am going to do a short recap of the latest news on COVID-19.

1. CDC shortens the isolation and quarantine period. I am not thrilled by this, and I prefer the entire isolation period to protect the safety of all workers. The updated guidance will likely lead workers to come back to work too soon and spread COVID-19 to other coworkers. We will never get out of this if we keep infecting each other. I am hoping for an updated guidance.

2. The Omicron variant is now the dominant variant in the United States, as indicated by the purple below. Check the CDC for more information.

   

3. What are the current hospitalization rates?

   The current rates are the highest; they have been the whole pandemic. You can check the new admission rate in your state here. While they mainly involve the unvaccinated, we should all still be careful. Make sure you are wearing an N95 when you go out. You can buy one here. You can look for an at-home COVID-19 test here.

   

4. What is the IHU variant?

   It is a variant that was detected in Marseille, France, in December. Here is a link to the journal article posted by a French scientist about it. CDC and WHO say this new variant is on their radar, but it is not a Variant of Concern at this time. I will get you posted on this as it develops.

5. What is flurona?

   It is a coinfection with the flu and COVID-19. It has been around for a while, but it now has a name. However, make sure you have your flu shot and COVID-19 vaccination. I got both done at CVS.

If you have any comments on questions, please comment below.

“Public Health & Data Science Newsletter” is written by Andrea Hobby, MS— an epidemiologist & data scientist. Consider financially supporting this newsletter. You will help me to write regularly about public health & data science. To support the effort, please subscribe here: