Detroit Health Department shares updated guidance to protect against COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses

2024
  • City following new streamlined recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  • While the level of COVID-19 in Detroit remains low, the new guidelines are designed to keep everyone from getting sick from COVID-19, seasonal flu and RSV, and help protect those most at risk for severe illness

 

 The Detroit Health Department is recommending all Detroiters take the following steps to help stay healthy from all forms of respiratory illness, including COVID-19, flu and RSV. The recommendations follow guidance issued today by the CDC that unites and streamlines recommendations for avoiding a range of common respiratory viral illnesses:

  • Stay up to date with vaccinations to protect against serious illness, including vaccines that prevent flu, COVID-19 and RSV if eligible
  • Continue to practice safe hygiene, including hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes (in arm), and disinfecting high-touch surfaces frequently
  • Take steps to breathe cleaner air: open a window, use an air purifier, and gather outdoors when possible

For individuals who do get sick with a respiratory illness, the following is recommended:

  • Stay home to prevent the spread of illness and wait to resume normal activities until symptoms have improved and fever-free for at least 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medications). This period could last longer or less time, depending on the duration of fever
  • Seek treatment if symptoms do not improve, especially for individuals who are at high risk for developing serious illness, such as those with compromised immune systems, young children, older adults and people who are pregnant
  • Use additional prevention strategies including wearing a mask, physical distancing and testing

“While the level of community spread for COVID-19 remains low in Detroit, we want everyone to be aware of some simple guidelines they can take to help slow the spread of all respiratory illnesses,” said Chief Public Health Officer, Denise Fair Razo. “The new guidance is practical, common sense, and is more aligned with long-standing recommendations for staying healthy from other respiratory illnesses.”

The Detroit Health Department offers vaccinations for COVID-19, flu and RSV at its Immunizations Clinic at 100 Mack Avenue, from Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., with late hours on the first and third Thursday of each month, from 10:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.

The Detroit Health Department also provides COVID-19 testing at 100 Mack Avenue, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Further details are available on our website: www.detroitmi.gov/health.