Important update: Healthcare facilities
CDC has updated select ways to operate healthcare systems effectively in response to COVID-19 vaccination. Learn more
UPDATE
Given new evidence on the B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant, CDC has updated the guidance for fully vaccinated people. CDC recommends universal indoor masking for all teachers, staff, students, and visitors to K-12 schools, regardless of vaccination status. Children should return to full-time in-person learning in the fall with layered prevention strategies in place.
UPDATE
The White House announced that vaccines will be required for international travelers coming into the United States, with an effective date of November 8, 2021. For purposes of entry into the United States, vaccines accepted will include FDA approved or authorized and WHO Emergency Use Listing vaccines. More information is available here.
UPDATE
Travel requirements to enter the United States are changing, starting November 8, 2021. More information is available here.

Clinical Care Considerations

Clinical Care Considerations

Clinical considerations for care of children and adults with confirmed COVID-19

Updated May 27, 2022
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CDC is reviewing this page to align with updated guidance.

This collection of content provides clinicians and public health professionals with key information and evidence for clinical considerations when diagnosing and managing patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. For evidence-based treatment recommendations for COVID-19, visit the National Institutes of Health (NIH) COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines prepared by the COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines Panel. Also see Variants of the Virus and Vaccines for COVID-19.

Table of Contents

Key Points

  • The clinical presentation of COVID-19 varies from asymptomatic infection to critical illness; symptoms can vary over time.
  • When testing for current SARS-CoV-2 infection, CDC recommends that clinicians use molecular or antigen tests (viral tests) that detect SARS-CoV-2 or its components, not a serologic test that detects antibodies. A chest radiograph or computerized tomography (CT) images alone are not recommended to diagnose COVID-19.
  • Clinicians caring for special populations including children, pregnant and recently pregnant people, people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, people with confirmed or suspected multisystem inflammatory syndrome, and people with post-COVID conditions may have additional clinical considerations.
  • When treating patients with COVID-19, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends that clinicians consider treating patients according to risk of progression to severe COVID-19 or the severity of COVID-19. Patients who are reinfected with SARS-CoV-2 likely will experience less severe illness than during the initial infection, but some patients will experience more severe illness.

Summary of Updates

Names of specific vendors, manufacturers, or products in this collection of content are included for public health and informational purposes; inclusion does not imply endorsement of the vendors, manufacturers, or products by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the US Department of Health and Human Services.

References