Today’s New COVID Reality: Your Questions Answered

While a summer break in COVID-19 infections is welcome, experts emphasize that it doesn’t mean you should be completely on guard.

Here are some answers to pressing pandemic questions as we navigate our fourth pandemic summer.

Should I stay home if I have cold and flu symptoms?

Yes, staying home if you have viral symptoms or signs of a respiratory infection is recommended — whether or not you test positive for COVID, says Dr. Fahad Razak, an internist at St. Michael’s Hospital, part of Unity Health Toronto.

“It is good public health hygiene. Viral infections are transmissible; nobody likes to get sick and miss school, miss work, miss family events. And you don’t want to expose someone with a higher risk, such as an elderly relative or someone with an underlying illness.”

Razak says the pandemic has shown the effectiveness of public health measures, including staying home when sick.

“We now know there’s a lot you can do to protect yourself and those around you by maintaining basic protective measures.”

Do I still have to do a rapid test?

Even though COVID levels are dropping, it’s still important to get a rapid test if you have a fever and other flu-like symptoms, says Sarah Otto, a professor at the University of British Columbia and a researcher with Canada’s Coronavirus Rapid Response Network, known as CoVaRR-Net.

She notes that during the summer months, a viral infection is probably not the flu.

“It’s much more likely now that it’s COVID because there’s just no flu circulating right now,” she says, adding that those who are COVID positive should stay home and self-isolate as best they can until they test negative on a rapid test . .

“It is still a very deadly disease, especially for the elderly. If you are infected, you want to keep your contacts virus-free.”

Where can I get rapid tests in Ontario?

The county is “phasing out widespread access to free rapid antigen tests” and is suggesting that individuals call ahead to participating retailers and pharmacies, which will continue to provide tests while supplies last.

Those at high risk of serious illness from COVID and those living and working in high-risk environments will continue to have access to rapid testing, according to the province. Supply participating pharmacies PCR testing for at-risk individuals.

When should I get another COVID vaccine?

The National Advisory Committee on Immunizations (NACI) is recommending a COVID booster this fall for people whose last dose — or last known infection — was recorded more than six months ago.

The new guidancereleased this week, states that an updated vaccine formulation targeting more transmissible variants is expected in the fall.

NACI emphasizes that COVID vaccines are important for vulnerable groups, including: adults age 65 and older; residents of retirement homes and other cohabiting residential environments; people with underlying health conditions; pregnant people; individuals in or from First Nations, Métis, and Inuit communities; members of racialized and other equality-deserving communities; and people who provide essential community services.

What does Ontario recommend?

The Ontario Ministry of Health is asking people to postpone their booster until the fall and the beginning of the respiratory infection season “to maximize protection against COVID-19 outcomes when peak circulation of the virus is expected.”

The county stated that getting a booster dose earlier “may be appropriate for certain individuals based on their unique health status and personal situation.”

The county said more information about the fall booster campaign will be available in the coming weeks.

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