Health
Antibody testing can shed light on COVID-19 immunity, says expert – News1130
CALGARY (CITYNEWS) – Alberta has been a leader in testing when it comes to COVID-19, and now the province is taking another step forward.
The government of Alberta is committing $10 million to antibody testing, with the hopes of learning more about the virus.
Experts say the data collected could help us gain a larger understanding of COVID-19 immunity.
“The antibody test is where there is going to be a blood sample taken, and for now it means a poke, and send that off to the lab and see if you have antibodies,” said Dr. Jim Kellner of the Cumming School of Medicine.
“What that is measuring is not if you have an infection today, but have you had COVID-19 at some point in the past.”
A member of the Canadian COVID-19 immunity task force, Dr. Kellner is leading a study that investigates how children are responding to the virus.
“We’re going to test 1,000 children, some of whom have been diagnosed with COVID-19, some of whom have tested negative, and some of whom are healthy” said Kellner. “We’re going to test those children every six months over two years and look at the antibodies.”
Many people had chicken pox growing up, meaning our bodies created antibodies to fight off the disease, giving us immunity. Experts are trying to understand if COVID-19 immunity would work the same way, and how long it would last.
“Many infections are not like that,” said Kellner. “You’ll develop immunity but not for a lifetime. It might last for sometimes months or years, but it will often get away. But when we get vaccines, that’s what we’re looking to do is to provide that immunity.”
Experts say the antibody test is most accurate three weeks after someone has been infected with COVID-19.
“You’re not going to get an immunity passport saying you’re positive, therefore you’re protected, therefore you’re bullet proof,” said Kellner. “That immunity passport concept doesn’t exist anywhere.
“I wish it were that simple. It’s not that simple.”
Unlike the nasal test, antibody tests are not readily available to the public. The province of Alberta is instead focusing on testing people within specific study groups.
Antibody tests may soon be available, though, through a physician or pharmacist. Experts warn that these rapid tests may not yield the most accurate results.
Health
CFIA continues surveillance for HPAI in cattle, while sticking with original name for disease – RealAgriculture
The Canada Food Inspection Agency will continue to refer to highly pathogenic avian influenza in cattle as HPAI in cattle, and not refer to it as bovine influenza A virus (BIAV), as suggested by the American Association of Bovine Practitioners earlier this month.
Dr. Martin Appelt, senior director for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, in the interview below, says at this time Canada will stick with “HPAI in cattle” when referencing the disease that’s been confirmed in dairy cattle in multiple states in the U.S.
The CFIA’s naming policy is consistent with the agency’s U.S. counterparts’, as the U.S. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has also said it will continue referring to it as HPAI or H5N1.
Appelt explains how the CFIA is learning from the U.S. experience to-date, and how it is working with veterinarians across Canada to stay vigilant for signs of the disease in dairy and beef cattle.
As of April 19, there has not been a confirmed case of HPAI in cattle in Canada. Appelt says it’s too soon to say if an eventual positive case will significantly restrict animal movement, as is the case with positive poultry cases.
This is a major concern for the cattle industry, as beef cattle especially move north and south across the U.S. border by the thousands. Appelt says that CFIA will address an infection in each species differently in conjunction with how the disease is spread and the threat to neighbouring farms or livestock.
Currently, provincial dairy organizations have advised producers to postpone any non-essential tours of dairy barns, as a precaution, in addition to other biosecurity measures to reduce the risk of cattle contracting HPAI.
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Health
Toronto reports 2 more measles cases. Use our tool to check the spread in Canada – Toronto Star
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Canada has seen a concerning rise in measles cases in the first months of 2024.
By the third week of March, the country had already recorded more than three times the number of cases as all of last year. Canada had just 12 cases of measles in 2023, up from three in 2022.
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Cancer Awareness Month
Posted on: Apr 18, 2024
April is Cancer Awareness Month
As we recognize Cancer Awareness Month, we stand together to raise awareness, support those affected, advocate for prevention, early detection, and continued research towards a cure. Cancer is the leading cause of death for Métis women and the second leading cause of death for Métis men. The Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation Within Alberta is working hard to ensure that available supports for Métis Citizens battling cancer are culturally appropriate, comprehensive, and accessible by Métis Albertans at all stages of their cancer journey.
Receiving a cancer diagnosis, whether for yourself or a loved one, can feel overwhelming, leaving you unsure of where to turn for support. In June, our government will be launching the Cancer Supports and Navigation Program which will further support Métis Albertans and their families experiencing cancer by connecting them to OMG-specific cancer resources, external resources, and providing navigation support through the health care system. This program will also include Métis-specific peer support groups for those affected by cancer.
With funding from the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer (CPAC) we have also developed the Métis Cancer Care Course to ensure that Métis Albertans have access to culturally safe and appropriate cancer services. This course is available to cancer care professionals across the country and provides an overview of who Métis people are, our culture, our approaches to health and wellbeing, our experiences with cancer care, and our cancer journey.
Together, we can make a difference in the fight against cancer and ensure equitable access to culturally safe and appropriate care for all Métis Albertans. Please click on the links below to learn more about the supports available for Métis Albertans, including our Compassionate Care: Cancer Transportation program.
I wish you all good health and happiness!
Bobbi Paul-Alook
Secretary of Health & Seniors
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