This is an excerpt from Second Opinion, a weekly roundup of health and medical science news. If you haven’t subscribed yet, you can do that by clicking here.
A new Canadian study found catching COVID-19 provided strong protection against future Omicron reinfection and hospitalization — especially when combined with vaccination.
The observational study of close to 700,000 people age 12 and over in Quebec, released as a preprint this week and not yet peer reviewed, suggested that having an earlier strain of the virus dramatically reduced the risk of getting the original Omicron variant in the future.
“Even in people who did not receive any vaccine there was protection against Omicron infection,” said lead author Dr. Gaston De Serres, an epidemiologist at the Quebec National Institute of Public Health (INSPQ).
“However, the protection against hospitalization is much higher than your protection against being reinfected — and obviously the good news is if you add vaccine doses, then you add to your protection.”
The landmark study provides the first major glimpse at how protection from vaccination, prior infection and combined hybrid immunity is holding up against Omicron in the real world in Canada and has major implications on our vaccination guidelines in the future.
“You don’t want to get COVID. I mean, that’s clear because it’s unpredictable, you could die, you could wind up in the hospital and you could get long COVID,” said Dr. Eric Topol, a professor of molecular medicine at Scripps Research in La Jolla, Calif.
“However, if you did have COVID before the Omicron wave and you survived — it did provide an edge.”
Health-care workers walk near hospital row, on Toronto’s University Ave. on April 7. Protection from previous infections against Omicron hospitalizations was significant among the unvaccinated, but increased dramatically with additional vaccine doses. (Evan Mitsui/CBC)
Hybrid immunity provides ‘remarkable’ protection
The study also found vaccines were more effective against Omicron infection among the previously infected than the non-infected: increasing to 65 per cent versus 20 per cent for one dose, 68 per cent over 42 per cent for two and 83 per cent over 73 per cent for three.
But prior infection immunity alone didn’t last — with the study showing the risk of an Omicron reinfection dropped from 66 per cent after three to five months to just 35 per cent between nine and 11 months.
Unvaccinated individuals who were asymptomatic after infection also had only an eight per cent reduction in future risk of infection, while symptomatic non-hospitalized patients had a 43 per cent reduction and hospitalized symptomatic patients had a 68 per cent reduction.
“The more severe the infection, the better you’re protected — the more vaccine doses, the more you’re protected,” De Serres said. “And the order of your vaccine doses and infection did not appear to change the degree of protection you had.”
Protection from previous infections against Omicron hospitalizations was also significant among the unvaccinated at 81 per cent, but increased to 86 per cent with one dose, 94 per cent with two and 97 per cent with three.
“What this study did was reinforce that if you got through COVID, you survived it, you will not only have a good protection from hospitalizations, but also you benefit from at least one if not two shots of vaccine,” said Topol.
“In fact, if you got three shots you got to remarkable levels of protection against infection and hospitalization … So it encourages people who are still out there who had prior COVID to go get vaccinated.”
The study also highlights the limited added protection from a booster dose among the previously infected against severe COVID-19 — as opposed to just two shots. (Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press)
Booster priorities could shift in Canada
But the findings also highlight the limited added protection from a booster dose among the previously infected against severe COVID-19 — as opposed to just two shots.
“Our findings do suggest that the incremental value of a third over second dose in someone who’s previously infected is marginal,” said Dr. Danuta Skowronski, epidemiology lead at the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control who co-authored the study.
“And if there are remaining other groups who have yet to receive even their first or second dose or are otherwise more susceptible — the doses would be better prioritized that way.”
De Serres said that while the study found two-dose effectiveness against hospitalization among the previously-infected did not wane substantially after 11 months, it also did not significantly differ from three-dose effectiveness.
“If someone had been infected recently, should that person run to get the vaccine right after three months? Well, maybe not,” he said, adding that the close to half of Canadians who became infected with Omicron over the past few months had significant immunity.
“The population that was infected during wave five and six may already be quite well protected for the next season and maybe they could be offered an additional dose — but maybe it won’t be so pressing for them.”
The study looked at the original BA.1 Omicron variant between Dec. 26 and March 22, and not the BA.2 subvariant that has since become the dominant strain in Canada or other sublineages like BA.2.12.1, BA.4 and BA.5 that are circulating in other parts of the world.
Nevertheless, the findings call into question the value of the National Advisory Committee on Immunization’s (NACI) decision to recommend a booster shot three months after an infection, when protection against severe illness already remains high with two shots.
“It’s not to say that the third dose didn’t increase it, but it’s from 94 per cent to 97 per cent,” said Skowronski. “It really just begs the question, what are we trying to achieve with this?”
WATCH | WHO estimates nearly 15 million people died in COVID-19 pandemic:
Nearly 15 million people died in COVID-19 pandemic: WHO
1 day ago
Duration 2:01
The World Health Organization estimates almost 15 million people around the world have died as a result of COVID-19 or the pandemic’s burden on health-care systems over the past two years. 2:01
No plans to change booster guidelines: NACI
In a statement to CBC News, a spokesperson for NACI said that despite the implications of the new study, there are no immediate plans to revisit the Canadian guidelines recommending a booster shot three months after a COVID-19 infection.
“NACI is aware of recent Canadian and international evidence suggesting that hybrid immunity following infection and vaccination can provide protection against COVID-19 disease,” the spokesperson said, when asked if the study could affect booster guidance.
“However, it is important to note that the robustness and duration of protection conferred by prior infection may vary due to factors such as the severity of infection, age, presence of comorbidities and the variant causing the infection.”
NACI members also considered the “uncertainty” around whether infections with new variants would have similar hybrid immunity as with previous variants, the challenge in documenting infections and took a “precautionary approach in the face of uncertainty.”
“NACI makes decisions based on the body of evidence on a topic,” the spokesperson said. “Which often extends beyond individual studies.”
But the real-world Canadian research not only provides insight into how the level of population immunity from vaccination and prior infection in Canada is holding up — it also highlights the importance of hybrid immunity in getting the most protection.
People walk in downtown Vancouver, B.C., on March 14. The real-world Canadian data provides never-before-seen insight into how the level of population immunity in Canada from vaccination and prior infection is holding up — and has major implications on our vaccination strategy going forward. (Ben Nelms/CBC)
“We know that this hybrid immunity has an advantage and this study really helped bring that home,” said Topol.
“There’s something different about an infection — it just exposes the whole virus to somebody so there is some edge there that you can’t fully simulate with spike messenger protein vaccines.”
Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious diseases physician at Toronto General Hospital and member of Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccine task force, said the findings could also affect policies around vaccine mandates in Canada.
“If someone is interested in mandating a third dose for whatever reason — you have to consider that two doses plus infection, based on what we know today, is comparable,” he said. “So there are science and policy implications for this study.”
De Serres said that while an infection does provide significant protection against reinfection and severe illness, it’s not necessarily a replacement for a COVID-19 vaccine.
“Are they identical? Maybe not, but I think they are quite comparable. I think that infection, from what we can see, provides at least the protection of one dose,” he said.
“So if you had received two doses and you got infected, you’re well protected, similar to three doses … for severe outcomes they are really quite comparable.”
Skowronski said while the findings do underscore the protection obtained from a previous infection, she wants to make sure people don’t come away thinking intentional infection or so-called “SARS-CoV-2 parties” are a smart decision.
“It’s not the intent that people deliberately get infected, but rather, if they have been infected with up to two doses of vaccine they can be reassured that they’ve got good protection against severe outcomes,” she said.
“And that’s good news for the population at large.”
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.
