New CDC Recommendations for People with Flu-Like Illness

On August 5, the CDC revised its recommendation about how long people with flu-like illness should stay home and away from other people to prevent spreading the flu. CDC now recommends that those with flu-like illness stay home until at least 24 hours after their fever is gone, without using fever-reducing medicines like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

This information is important for Town of Amherst employees, and we will be communicating more information about this issue in the coming weeks and months.

Previously, CDC had recommended that people stay home for seven days after they became ill or 24 hours after they had no symptoms, whichever was longer. The change in recommendation is based on what we learned about the new H1N1 virus during spring 2009 and is designed to decrease the risk of spreading the flu while also reducing the disruption to society caused by people staying home for long periods.

During spring 2009, most people infected with the new H1N1 flu had fevers for 2-4 days. By tailoring the recommendation to how long someone with flu has a fever, people with less severe illnesses will be able to return to their daily lives sooner, while also protecting others from the flu during their most contagious period.

The new recommendation applies to camps, schools, businesses and other community settings where most people are not at high risk for flu complications. It does not apply to healthcare settings.

The recommendations for healthcare remain at 7 days after symptoms began or until all symptoms are gone, whichever is longer.

The guidance applies to all people who have the flu or flu-like illness, even if they are taking antiviral drugs. It’s important that those with flu-like illness stay home while sick, except to seek medical care, and avoid contact with other people. People give off more flu virus when they have a fever. So staying home during this time will be especially important to not spread the flu to friends, co-workers and fellow students.

Even when fever has subsided, people can continue giving off the flu virus. They should take steps to protect others, like voiding close contact with people they know are at high risk of flu complications, frequently washing hands and covering their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing.

Because not everyone ill with the new H1N1 flu will have a fever, it is important for everyone to wash their hands frequently and follow good hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette so they don’t unknowingly infect others.

If you have any questions, or are unsure whether you should stay home from work or not, please call your healthcare provider or the town's Public Health Nurse at extension 3077.