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COVID data tracker weekly review : interpretive summary for February 10, 2023
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February 10, 2023
[PDF-2.71 MB]
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Alternative Title:Create a COVID-19 Action Plan
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Description:Create a COVID-19 Action Plan
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic almost three years ago, we have known that some people who are immunocompromised (have a weakened immune system) are more likely to get sick with COVID-19 or be sick for a longer period. Evusheld, a pre-exposure preventative treatment, gave people with weakened immune systems extra protection against severe outcomes from COVID-19. However, on January 26, 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that Evusheld is not currently authorized for emergency use in the United States because it is unlikely to be active against the majority of circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants at this time.
With this change, CDC encourages people who have weakened immune systems (or who live with someone who does) to create a COVID-19 action plan (en español). Vaccination is the first line of protection to prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. People who are immunocompromised might not have as strong of an immune response to COVID-19 vaccines, but staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines will help. Everyone who is eligible should stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and boosters for the added protection.
If you have a weakened immune system and test positive for SARS-COV-2 or have a known exposure, talk to a doctor to get antiviral treatment as soon as possible. You should also consider prevention measures such as wearing a comfortable, well-fitting respirator or mask, maintaining physical distance (more than 6 feet) from others, improving indoor ventilation, and washing your hands often. CDC’s People Who Are Immunocompromised and Steps for People with Weakened Immune Systems to Stay Safe from COVID-19 pages have more information on how to protect yourself from COVID-19.
Note to Readers: CDC will not publish the COVID Data Tracker Weekly Review on Friday, February 17, 2023. Publication will resume on Friday, February 24, 2023.
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Content Notes:It’s time to pick out your costume and get ready to celebrate Halloween! Over the past two-plus years, we’ve learned new ways to enjoy pandemic holidays, and “outside is always safer” has been the mantra for these holiday gatherings. Luckily, that’s easy to do on Halloween, because trick-or-treating generally involves plenty of outdoor time. But that doesn’t mean it’s totally risk-free. Here are some more tips for staying COVID-safe this Halloween.
• Stay home if you’re sick. Skip the Halloween party if you aren’t feeling well.
• Get tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms.
• Take precautions in crowded or indoor events as informed by your county’s COVID-19 Community Level, like wearing a high-quality mask (and Halloween masks don’t count). Consider making the mask part of the costume—like a doctor, nurse, ninja, or cowboy.
• If you’re hosting celebrations, review options for improving ventilation in your home. This can help you reduce virus particles in your home and keep COVID-19 from spreading.
• Keep your hands clean. If you’re out trick-or-treating, bring hand sanitizer. If you’re giving out candy, wash your hands frequently.
And of course, the best way to protect yourself and others from severe illness from COVID-19 on Halloween (and every day) is to stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccinations! Use this tool to find out when you can get a booster.
Note to Readers: On October 12, 2022, CDC recommended updated (bivalent) COVID-19 boosters for children ages 5 years and older in the United States, making the updated boosters available to millions of children in this age group.
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