President Biden Tests Positive for COVID-19: What You Need to Know

President Biden’s positive coronavirus test has once again brought the spotlight back on COVID-19 and the precautions that the public should take as a summer wave of the disease sweeps across the United States. The White House confirmed that Biden is experiencing mild symptoms and will self-isolate at his home in Rehoboth Beach, Del., while continuing to work.

With coronavirus levels in wastewater reported as high or very high in 26 states, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its guidelines for isolation. The CDC advises individuals to stay home and isolate until their symptoms improve and they have been fever-free without medication for 24 hours. Additional precautions such as wearing masks, improving air circulation, physical distancing, and testing are recommended for five days after symptoms improve.

For those living with someone who has COVID-19, the CDC recommends keeping a distance from other adults, wearing masks, and improving air circulation to prevent the spread of the virus. As for vaccines, the current ones offer some protection against the latest variants, but an updated vaccine is expected in the late summer or fall.

Health care professionals advise senior citizens to take antivirals early and get vaccinated to mitigate the risk of severe illness. Older adults can consider taking Paxlovid or molnupiravir if they test positive for COVID-19. It is also recommended for older adults to mask indoors, especially in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, and for family members to get tested if they show symptoms and stay away from older relatives until they are no longer contagious.

The latest coronavirus variants, including KP variants, FLiRT, and LB.1, are more effective at infecting individuals with some immunity from vaccines or previous infections. However, they do not seem to cause more severe infections or deaths. New vaccines under development target the KP.2 strain, which is similar to other circulating variants.

As the nation continues to navigate the evolving landscape of the pandemic, staying informed and following CDC guidelines remain crucial in the fight against COVID-19.