It spreads very readily. This is why current CDC quarantine rules have been adapted in recent months, Dr. Wright explains. How Long Does COVID-19 Last If You're Vaccinated? Breakthrough COVID As of May 19th, over 45% of the U.S. population is in an area with a medium or high COVID-19 Community Level.At high COVID-19 Community Levels, people should be masking.At medium levels, people should consider masking based on personal risk. Here's what to know, If you've had COVID-19, here's what you need to know about blood clots, New study uncovers the 7 most common long COVID symptoms. Learn how to schedule your COVID-19 vaccine at UC Davis Health. The good news? The experts emphasize that we're still learning about XBB.1.16 as it continues to spread. According to the CDC COVID tracker, BA.5 is the predominant strain of COVID-19. The bivalent booster vaccine is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Parents who are concerned about the potential new XBB.1.16 symptoms should vaccinate their children, the experts note. The CDC is now recommending that anyone age 12 or older who received their second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine five or more months ago, or who received a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine two or more months ago, should get a booster from either Pfizer or Moderna. For people who developed severe illness from COVID-19 or have a weakened immune system, the CDC recommends consulting your healthcare provider before ending isolation. "The most distinct aspect of (Arcturus) is that it has a tendency to produce inflammation of the external part of the eye and eyelids, says Schaffner, adding that this can cause itching, redness, swelling and tearing or discharge that lasts for about a week. Omicron Infection Timeline: Exposure to Immunity - Health The study also found that the severity of Delta and Omicron hospitalizations were comparable for people admitted to the hospital, but that people with Omicron appeared less likely to be admitted to the hospital to begin with. However, thats just an estimate. 2023UC Regents. Cloth masks reduce the risk of infection by about 50%. ZOE Health Study. It certainly seems like when symptoms go away, infectious virus disappears. A person is generally contagious a day or two before symptoms begin and at least two or three days after. "It seems to have a mutation that could make it even more transmissible than some of the other omicron strains.