WHO updated COVID-19 guidelines

WHO has revised its guidelines for wearing masks in the community COVID-19 treatments and treatment for COVID-19. It is part of a the ongoing review process to evaluate these guidelines and working with guideline development groups comprised of independent, international experts who analyze the most recent evidence available and the evolving health care system.

Masks remain an important tool in the fight against COVID-19.

WHO still recommends masks for people in certain situations This update encourages the use of masks regardless of local epidemiological situation, based on the current distribution of COVID-19 worldwide. Masks are suggested following an incident with COVID-19 or when someone suspects that they are suffering from COVID-19, those who are at risk of having severe COVID-19, or for those who live living in an enclosed, crowded or poorly ventilated area. In the past, WHO recommendations were based on the situation in the field of epidemiology.

Similar to the previous guidelines, WHO advises that there are instances where masks may be recommended in light of the risk assessment. The factors to take into consideration are local epidemiological trends, or the rising numbers of hospitalizations, amounts of vaccine coverage and immunity in the community, and also the conditions that individuals are placed in.

Reducing the isolation time for COVID-19 patients.

WHO recommends that patients suffering from COVID-19 may be released from isolation at a young age if they do not test positive with an antigen-based test.

In the absence of testing, for patients who have symptoms, the latest guidelines recommend 10 days of complete isolation starting from the time of onset of symptoms. In the past, WHO advised that patients be released 10 days following the onset of symptoms, and at least 3 additional days following the time their symptoms disappeared.

If you test positive for COVID-19 and do not show any symptoms or signs, WHO now suggests 5 days of seclusion in the absence of testing, as compared to 10 days in the past.

The removal of COVID-19-infected people is a crucial step to keeping others from becoming affected. This can be accomplished at home, or at an appropriate facility such as a hospital , or clinic.

The evidence reviewed by the group that developed guidelines revealed that those with no symptoms are significantly less likely to contract the virus than those who have symptoms. While of a very low degree of accuracy, the evidence showed that patients who developed symptoms within 5 days of the onset of symptoms were at risk of being infected three times more than those who had symptoms discharged by day 10.

Review of COVID-19 treatment options

WHO has extended its strong recommendation for the use of nirmatrelvir-ritonavir (also known by its brand name 'Paxlovid').

Women who are pregnant or nursing with COVID-19 that is not severe should speak with their doctor to determine if they should be taking this medication due to its 'likely advantages and the absence of adverse reactions that have been observed.

Nirmatrelvir-ritonavir was first recommended by WHO in April 2022. WHO strongly recommends its use in mild or moderate COVID-19 patients who are at high-risk of hospitalization. As of December 20, 2022 the very first generic manufacturer that manufactured the medicine was approved by WHO.

WHO also reviewed the evidence on two other medicines, sotrovimab and casirivimab-imdevimab, and maintains strong recommendations against their use for treating COVID-19. The monoclonal antibodies are not effective or show less activity against most prevalent viruses that circulate.

There are at present six proven treatments available to patients suffering from COVID-19. Three of them stop hospitalization in patients at high risk and three that help save lives for those suffering from critical or severe disease. With the exception of corticosteroids the availability of other medications isn't always as satisfactory globally.

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