It’s been over two years since I last wrote here about COVID-19 and a lot has changed since then. Back when we started discussing this virus, things were quite different. There were no Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs), no vaccines, and no treatments like PAXLOVID. Hospitals were overrun with COVID patients and death rates from COVID infection were startlingly high. But I had a hunch that eventually, we’d have tests, treatments, and vaccines. And guess what? They’re here now, thanks to some remarkable research and development efforts.

Let’s fast forward to September 2023. I won’t bombard you with charts and graphs, but I do want to give you a quick rundown of what you should know in a straightforward way.

1. **Recent Uptick in Cases**: After a relatively calm summer, COVID-19 cases are on the rise again. This isn’t surprising, as respiratory illnesses tend to become more common in the upcoming season.

2. **Hospitalizations Reduced**: The good news is that while some folks are still ending up in the hospital, it’s happening at a much lower rate than before. Most of us have developed immunity through vaccination or previous infection. The best protection appears to come from a combination of both.

3. **Vaccination Works**: Vaccination remains a powerful tool against severe illness and death. Even if vaccinated individuals can still get infected, they tend to shed the virus for a shorter time, are less likely to infect others, and have a lower risk of experiencing “long Covid.”

4. **New Variants**: New variants keep cropping up, but the most prevalent one is still related to the Omicron strain. The good news is that these variants don’t seem to be more severe and are vulnerable to the immunity gained through vaccination.

5. **Booster Shots**: New vaccines have been approved and updated to be effective against recent strains. They will soon be available in Ontario, starting with older individuals, those with health conditions, healthcare workers, and eventually, everyone. If you’re six months past your last shot, I encourage you to get a booster to protect you from severe illness, quicker recovery if you do get COVID, reduced infectiousness, and a lower risk of developing long Covid.

6. **Flu Shot**: You can get your COVID-19 vaccine alongside the flu shot. Influenza is making a comeback this year, and early signs suggest that this year’s flu vaccine is effective against the strains we expect. It is safe and more convenient to get both of these vaccines at the same visit.

7. **Testing**: Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) will, once again, be widely available through pharmacies and primary care providers. If you have COVID-19 symptoms and a negative RAT, consider repeating it 48 hours later or even a third time. More reliable PCR tests are available at some pharmacies, through public health, and certain primary care providers. A positive test is required for PAXLOVID treatment. No family doctor? Find where you can get PRR testing in your community here https://www.ontario.ca/assessment-centre-locations/

8.”Paxlovid”:  Paxlovid is a medication that can reduce the severity of COVID-19, especially for vulnerable or elderly individuals with risk factors. It’s covered by Ontario health insurance if you qualify, but it must be started within five days of symptom onset and used cautiously with certain other medications.  If you live in Ontario and have no access to a primary care team and you think you might need or qualify for Paxlovid treatment you can get help at this website.  https://cantreatcovid.org/   Here they are conducting a study and will enrol you quickly, advise of the need for medical treatment and arrange it for you. Assessment and treatment is also available at many pharmacies. 

9. **Masking and Isolation**: Mandates for masking and isolation are unlikely to return. If you’re ill with any respiratory virus, limit contact with others until your symptoms are improving and you’re fever-free. Wearing a mask in close contact situations can help reduce the risk of spreading the infection.

Stay informed, take care, and make wise choices to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. Have a safe and healthy winter.