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The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) says a resurgence of COVID-19 appears to be underway, fuelled by the highly transmissible Omicron variant. At the same time, most COVID restrictions have been lifted across the country, more adults are heading back to workplaces, and kids, for the most part, no longer have to wear masks in schools.
“As of March 31, daily average case counts have increased by 28 per cent nationally,” Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer Theresa Tam said during a briefing last week.
It seems everyone either knows someone who is sick or they are sick themselves. Two of the doctors who spoke to CBC News for this story recently tested positive.
But with limited access to PCR tests across Canada, some who are getting sick are wondering if they have COVID or a cold or the flu — and what they should do if they have COVID-like symptoms but don’t actually feel so unwell.
We’ll answer some of those questions here.
WATCH | Why Omicron cases are on the rise and how to blunt transmission:
Tam discusses reasons for the resurgence of COVID-19 in parts of Canada
6 days ago
Duration 1:45
Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer Theresa Tam says that whenever public health measures are relaxed, a resurgence of COVID-19 cases can be expected. Tam says she encourages people to continue wearing masks to keep the pandemic under control. 1:45
Is it COVID or just a cold?
It’s impossible to know for sure whether you have COVID-19 without a test, said Dr. Shazma Mithani, an emergency physician in Edmonton.
“There’s no specific symptom or lack of symptom that can say for sure it is COVID or not.”
The current list of possible Covid-19 symptoms in Canada is long – 14 in all. And PHAC warns that symptoms vary from one person to another, and that age can be a factor.
Right now, some of the most commonly experienced symptoms of COVID-19 include:
sore throat
runny nose
sneezing
new or worsening cough
fatigue
shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
temperature equal to or more than 38°C
“Many people who have COVID infection feel almost nothing or very mild symptoms — especially if they’re young and healthy — versus some people as they start to get into their 40s, 50s and upwards seem to be much more symptomatic,” said Dr. Lisa Barrett, an infectious disease doctor and researcher at Dalhousie University in Halifax.
And a once telltale sign has all but disappeared.
“That loss of taste and smell, which was kind of a warning symptom of, like, this is very likely COVID … that has evolved out of the virus, where it’s less prominent now,” said Barrett.
What doctors say they are seeing more of with Omicron is gastrointestinal symptoms, especially diarrhea, but also vomiting and abdominal pain.
Still, the bottom line is that testing is the only way to know for sure whether you have COVID-19.
If you have manageable symptoms, like a mild cold, should you still do a COVID-19 test?
Doctors say yes.
“The purpose of a rapid test is not to tell you you’re not infected,” said Barrett.
“The purpose of a rapid test at this point is to tell you, if you do have a positive, that it’s highly likely that you have Omicron, or COVID.”
And knowing that is important for several reasons.
“If you’re a person at high risk, getting a test would make you eligible for antiviral treatment,” said Dr. Kashif Pirzada, an emergency physician in Toronto.
He recommends anyone who is elderly, immunocompromised, or who has multiple medical conditions to get a rapid antigen test at the very least, though a PCR would be best. Still, he said a positive rapid test “would put you in line to get these new antiviral medications,” including Remdesivir or Paxlovid.
Rapid testing is also recommended if you are young or otherwise healthy, for a few reasons.
A rapid home test for COVID-19 shows a negative result. (David Horemans/CBC)
“In the case of a situation where somebody might be unfortunate enough to develop long COVID, it’s important to have that documentation of having had COVID,” said Mithani.
She said it’s also important to know so that you can let anyone you were in close contact with know that they’ve been exposed to the virus.
I’ve heard rapid tests don’t work on Omicron, so what’s the use?
It’s not entirely clear yet why the rapid tests don’t seem to pick up Omicron as effectively as they picked up earlier variants.
Barrett said it is too early to know whether it is the variant itself that is more difficult to pick up, or whether there is less viral load to detect because people getting sick have some level of immunity from vaccination or previous infection.
But there are ways to make the test more effective.
First, test more often.
“Testing every 24 hours while you’re symptomatic,” said Mithani.
“For at least for every single day that you’re symptomatic, I would test every day if you have access to that number of rapid tests. If not, then you can stretch it out every one to two, or one to three days, just to ration tests a little bit.”
Second, go beyond your nose.
“Swab both your throat and your nose to improve the sensitivity or the accuracy of the test,” said Mithani.
She advises swabbing your throat first, around where your tonsils are and where the uvula is in the middle.
“Swab it aggressively,” she said, “and then swab both of your nostrils.”
Pirzada said you can swab your cheek, too, in between doing your throat and nose.
Doctors say swabbing the throat and cheek, along with the nose, can make rapid COVID-19 tests more effective. Here, a woman is seen having her throat swabbed at a coronavirus testing site in Beijing Wednesday. (Andy Wong/The Associated Press)
“As soon as you develop any cold-like symptoms, that’s a sign that you might have it,” said Pirzada.
“The rapid test, even if it’s negative, don’t take that as gospel, especially right now.”
Does the colour of nasal discharge indicate whether it is more likely COVID?
No. Coloured mucus — green or yellow, and sometimes foul-smelling — often comes from a sinus infection, said Pirzada, which can be bacterial. But he said clear or coloured mucus will not tell you with any certainty whether it is COVID. You need to test.
I don’t know anyone with the flu — is it still around?
Influenza rates remain low for this time of year, according to PHAC’s FluWatch report. In fact, it says there has been “no evidence of community circulation of influenza” during the entire 2021-2022 season.
Despite doing similar numbers of lab tests for flu, the test positivity rate is “exceptionally low” across Canada, at 0.13 per cent, compared to an average of 23 per cent test positivity for the same period in the past six pre-pandemic seasons.
This flu season (which began Aug. 29, 2021) has seen just 551 influenza detections reported, compared to an average of 38,193 by this point in the past six pre-pandemic flu seasons.
Doctors provide flu vaccinations to patients in their underground parkade in Vancouver in October 2020. Flu rates have been extremely low across Canada for the 2021-22 season. (Ben Nelms/CBC)
Mithani said doctors are seeing cases of influenza in Edmonton hospitals, and if someone high-risk comes in with symptoms and tests negative for COVID-19, they will be tested for influenza. It’s much the same in other provinces, too.
Pirzada said anyone high risk in Ontario will also be tested for influenza if the COVID PCR test in hospital is negative.
“So we are still testing for it, it’s just not coming back positive very often,” said Pirzada.
“Some strains of flu have actually gone extinct since the pandemic started.”
Young children who present at hospital with COVID-like symptoms will also be tested for flu and other respiratory illnesses, including RSV.
If people are masking and being careful, why are they still getting colds or flu?
While COVID-19 is primarily airborne, colds and flu spread more on surfaces, too, so Pirzada said it’s possible people are catching them that way.
The other thing, he said, is children.
“Children are spreading these viruses with gusto with each other, and they’re bringing it home. And then you, if you have children, are spreading it to other people at your workplace.”
The best way to avoid colds and flu, in addition to continuing to wear a mask, is the age-old advice to wash your hands and not touch your face.
Children, such as these seen playing together at Dream Magic daycare in Val-d’Or, Quebec, are a main source of spread of colds and other viruses. (CBC/Radio-Canada)
What’s the biggest misunderstanding about COVID-19 right now?
“The most dangerous one is that COVID living means pretending it’s not around,” said Barrett.
“That if you are somebody who wants to live with COVID, that you have to forget about it and just do what you did before COVID — the same amount of interaction, the same type of interaction without a mask, no testing, no isolation. That is the dangerous misconception.”
Pirzada said it’s also important to remember that if you get COVID, it doesn’t mean you won’t get it again.
“Even if if you get sick now … immunity to COVID is very short, so you could get sick in the next wave in two or three months.”
He said there needs to be a move to policies that cut down on the amount of circulating virus, “like good ventilation, masking in indoor spaces when there’s big waves like this, and the rapid tests.”
WATCH | Why this doctor says masks are still important:
Mask mandates should be extended in Quebec, doctor says
2 days ago
Duration 6:01
Dr. Christopher Labos spoke with CBC News about the pandemic’s sixth wave in Quebec, and how he thinks it’s best for mask mandates to continue for the time being, to reduce the risk of hospitalizations. 6:01
“The most important thing is what I call the vaccine-plus plan,” said Barrett.
“Which is get all the [vaccine] doses that you’re eligible to get. Wear a mask indoors — it’s not perfect, but it’s certainly helpful. And then, where available, test and isolate and keep your contact number moderate. You don’t have to stay home, but keeping it moderate.”
She said that if you do go out to a restaurant or other indoor gathering without wearing a mask, try to avoid seeing vulnerable people for three days after to make sure you don’t develop symptoms. And if you need to interact with someone who is high risk, distance, wear a mask and practise good hand hygiene.
Skinstitut Holiday Gift Kits take the stress out of gifting
Toronto, October 31, 2024 – Beauty gifts are at the top of holiday wish lists this year, and Laser Clinics Canada, a leader in advanced beauty treatments and skincare, is taking the pressure out of seasonal shopping. Today, Laser Clincs Canada announces the arrival of its 2024 Holiday Gift Kits, courtesy of Skinstitut, the exclusive skincare line of Laser Clinics Group.
In time for the busy shopping season, the limited-edition Holiday Gifts Kits are available in Laser Clinics locations in the GTA and Ottawa. Clinics are conveniently located in popular shopping centers, including Hillcrest Mall, Square One, CF Sherway Gardens, Scarborough Town Centre, Rideau Centre, Union Station and CF Markville. These limited-edition Kits are available on a first come, first served basis.
“These kits combine our best-selling products, bundled to address the most relevant skin concerns we’re seeing among our clients,” says Christina Ho, Senior Brand & LAM Manager at Laser Clinics Canada. “With several price points available, the kits offer excellent value and suit a variety of gift-giving needs, from those new to cosmeceuticals to those looking to level up their skincare routine. What’s more, these kits are priced with a savings of up to 33 per cent so gift givers can save during the holiday season.
There are two kits to select from, each designed to address key skin concerns and each with a unique theme — Brightening Basics and Hydration Heroes.
Brightening Basics is a mix of everyday essentials for glowing skin for all skin types. The bundle comes in a sleek pink, reusable case and includes three full-sized products: 200ml gentle cleanser, 50ml Moisture Defence (normal skin) and 30ml1% Hyaluronic Complex Serum. The Brightening Basics kit is available at $129, a saving of 33 per cent.
Hydration Heroes is a mix of hydration essentials and active heroes that cater to a wide variety of clients. A perfect stocking stuffer, this bundle includes four deluxe products: Moisture 15 15 ml Defence for normal skin, 10 ml 1% Hyaluronic Complex Serum, 10 ml Retinol Serum and 50 ml Expert Squalane Cleansing Oil. The kit retails at $59.
In addition to the 2024 Holiday Gifts Kits, gift givers can easily add a Laser Clinic Canada gift card to the mix. Offering flexibility, recipients can choose from a wide range of treatments offered by Laser Clinics Canada, or they can expand their collection of exclusive Skinstitut products.
Brightening Basics 2024 Holiday Gift Kit by Skinstitut, available exclusively at Laser Clincs Canada clinics and online at skinstitut.ca.
Hydration Heroes 2024 Holiday Gift Kit by Skinstitut – available exclusively at Laser Clincs Canada clinics and online at skinstitut.ca.
LONDON (AP) — Most people have accumulated a pile of data — selfies, emails, videos and more — on their social media and digital accounts over their lifetimes. What happens to it when we die?
It’s wise to draft a will spelling out who inherits your physical assets after you’re gone, but don’t forget to take care of your digital estate too. Friends and family might treasure files and posts you’ve left behind, but they could get lost in digital purgatory after you pass away unless you take some simple steps.
Here’s how you can prepare your digital life for your survivors:
Apple
The iPhone maker lets you nominate a “ legacy contact ” who can access your Apple account’s data after you die. The company says it’s a secure way to give trusted people access to photos, files and messages. To set it up you’ll need an Apple device with a fairly recent operating system — iPhones and iPads need iOS or iPadOS 15.2 and MacBooks needs macOS Monterey 12.1.
For iPhones, go to settings, tap Sign-in & Security and then Legacy Contact. You can name one or more people, and they don’t need an Apple ID or device.
You’ll have to share an access key with your contact. It can be a digital version sent electronically, or you can print a copy or save it as a screenshot or PDF.
Take note that there are some types of files you won’t be able to pass on — including digital rights-protected music, movies and passwords stored in Apple’s password manager. Legacy contacts can only access a deceased user’s account for three years before Apple deletes the account.
Google
Google takes a different approach with its Inactive Account Manager, which allows you to share your data with someone if it notices that you’ve stopped using your account.
When setting it up, you need to decide how long Google should wait — from three to 18 months — before considering your account inactive. Once that time is up, Google can notify up to 10 people.
You can write a message informing them you’ve stopped using the account, and, optionally, include a link to download your data. You can choose what types of data they can access — including emails, photos, calendar entries and YouTube videos.
There’s also an option to automatically delete your account after three months of inactivity, so your contacts will have to download any data before that deadline.
Facebook and Instagram
Some social media platforms can preserve accounts for people who have died so that friends and family can honor their memories.
When users of Facebook or Instagram die, parent company Meta says it can memorialize the account if it gets a “valid request” from a friend or family member. Requests can be submitted through an online form.
The social media company strongly recommends Facebook users add a legacy contact to look after their memorial accounts. Legacy contacts can do things like respond to new friend requests and update pinned posts, but they can’t read private messages or remove or alter previous posts. You can only choose one person, who also has to have a Facebook account.
You can also ask Facebook or Instagram to delete a deceased user’s account if you’re a close family member or an executor. You’ll need to send in documents like a death certificate.
TikTok
The video-sharing platform says that if a user has died, people can submit a request to memorialize the account through the settings menu. Go to the Report a Problem section, then Account and profile, then Manage account, where you can report a deceased user.
Once an account has been memorialized, it will be labeled “Remembering.” No one will be able to log into the account, which prevents anyone from editing the profile or using the account to post new content or send messages.
X
It’s not possible to nominate a legacy contact on Elon Musk’s social media site. But family members or an authorized person can submit a request to deactivate a deceased user’s account.
Passwords
Besides the major online services, you’ll probably have dozens if not hundreds of other digital accounts that your survivors might need to access. You could just write all your login credentials down in a notebook and put it somewhere safe. But making a physical copy presents its own vulnerabilities. What if you lose track of it? What if someone finds it?
Instead, consider a password manager that has an emergency access feature. Password managers are digital vaults that you can use to store all your credentials. Some, like Keeper,Bitwarden and NordPass, allow users to nominate one or more trusted contacts who can access their keys in case of an emergency such as a death.
But there are a few catches: Those contacts also need to use the same password manager and you might have to pay for the service.
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Is there a tech challenge you need help figuring out? Write to us at onetechtip@ap.org with your questions.
The Canadian Paediatric Society says doctors should regularly screen children for reading difficulties and dyslexia, calling low literacy a “serious public health concern” that can increase the risk of other problems including anxiety, low self-esteem and behavioural issues, with lifelong consequences.
New guidance issued Wednesday says family doctors, nurses, pediatricians and other medical professionals who care for school-aged kids are in a unique position to help struggling readers access educational and specialty supports, noting that identifying problems early couldhelp kids sooner — when it’s more effective — as well as reveal other possible learning or developmental issues.
The 10 recommendations include regular screening for kids aged four to seven, especially if they belong to groups at higher risk of low literacy, including newcomers to Canada, racialized Canadians and Indigenous Peoples. The society says this can be done in a two-to-three-minute office-based assessment.
Other tips encourage doctors to look for conditions often seen among poor readers such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder; to advocate for early literacy training for pediatric and family medicine residents; to liaise with schools on behalf of families seeking help; and to push provincial and territorial education ministries to integrate evidence-based phonics instruction into curriculums, starting in kindergarten.
Dr. Scott McLeod, one of the authors and chair of the society’s mental health and developmental disabilities committee, said a key goal is to catch kids who may be falling through the cracks and to better connect families to resources, including quicker targeted help from schools.
“Collaboration in this area is so key because we need to move away from the silos of: everything educational must exist within the educational portfolio,” McLeod said in an interview from Calgary, where he is a developmental pediatrician at Alberta Children’s Hospital.
“Reading, yes, it’s education, but it’s also health because we know that literacy impacts health. So I think that a statement like this opens the window to say: Yes, parents can come to their health-care provider to get advice, get recommendations, hopefully start a collaboration with school teachers.”
McLeod noted that pediatricians already look for signs of low literacy in young children by way of a commonly used tool known as the Rourke Baby Record, which offers a checklist of key topics, such as nutrition and developmental benchmarks, to cover in a well-child appointment.
But he said questions about reading could be “a standing item” in checkups and he hoped the society’s statement to medical professionals who care for children “enhances their confidence in being a strong advocate for the child” while spurring partnerships with others involved in a child’s life such as teachers and psychologists.
The guidance said pediatricians also play a key role in detecting and monitoring conditions that often coexist with difficulty reading such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, but McLeod noted that getting such specific diagnoses typically involves a referral to a specialist, during which time a child continues to struggle.
He also acknowledged that some schools can be slow to act without a specific diagnosis from a specialist, and even then a child may end up on a wait list for school interventions.
“Evidence-based reading instruction shouldn’t have to wait for some of that access to specialized assessments to occur,” he said.
“My hope is that (by) having an existing statement or document written by the Canadian Paediatric Society … we’re able to skip a few steps or have some of the early interventions present,” he said.
McLeod added that obtaining specific assessments from medical specialists is “definitely beneficial and advantageous” to know where a child is at, “but having that sort of clear, thorough assessment shouldn’t be a barrier to intervention starting.”
McLeod said the society was partly spurred to act by 2022’s “Right to Read Inquiry Report” from the Ontario Human Rights Commission, which made 157 recommendations to address inequities related to reading instruction in that province.
He called the new guidelines “a big reminder” to pediatric providers, family doctors, school teachers and psychologists of the importance of literacy.
“Early identification of reading difficulty can truly change the trajectory of a child’s life.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 23, 2024.
