Is it cold, COVID or the flu? Experts say its ‘very difficult’ to differentiate
Global News
Two experts say it's very difficult to differentiate between the cold, flu, or a COVID-19 infection, so Canadians need to be very careful as the flu season approaches.
As flu season approaches amid the rise of new COVID-19 variants, experts say it’s very difficult to differentiate between a cold, flu, or a COVID-19 infection and regardless of what an infected person has, Canadians still need to wear masks and physically distance themselves from others in order to stay safe.
“A lot of these illnesses have overlapping symptoms…like a runny nose, sore throat, general aches, fatigue, and cough…these are features of all of them,” Isaac Bogoch, an infectious diseases specialist at the Toronto General Hospital tells Global News.
“It’s going to be very challenging to conclusively separate a cold, influenza, and COVID 19.”
Typically, Canada reaches the beginning of flu season from late October to early January, a Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) spokesperson told Global News in May.
Bogoch says if a person is feeling unwell, they should stay home.
“You don’t want to get anyone else sick…we know how transmissible COVID-19 is and you shouldn’t be going into a workplace or a school to transmit it to others,” said Bogoch.
“One of the things to remember as flu season approaches is people got to get vaccinated, whether it’s getting the flu vaccine or getting up-to-date on your COVID shots,” he told reporters on Monday.
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) also “strongly” recommends COVID-19 bivalent vaccines to be given as boosters this fall over the original shots, which vaccine makers retooled to better target the ever-changing virus. At the same time, certain pharmacies have opened up their online portals to get Canadians in line for their flu shot when it becomes available in the respective region.
Here is what we know about Brian Thompson, the 50-year-old CEO of UnitedHealthcare who was killed in New York City Wednesday morning.
Members of the Cheam and Sqwá First Nations said they discovered a pipe spewing industrial waste into the Hope Slough near Rosedale.
While the holiday season may bring thoughts of snow, U.S. health authorities have a stark reminder for the warmer months: summer splash pads can harbour serious health risks.
The recall pertains to MEC Men’s Borderlands pants, available in black and rosin colours. It also involves certain MEC mitts for children and youths, and certain gloves for adults.
The average number of letters people receive has dropped significantly over the years — down to just two per week compared to seven per week in 2006, according to Canada Post.
The outbreak, which was first reported in October, sickened at least 104 people in 14 states, including one person who died and 34 who were hospitalized.
The Alberta Energy Regulator has completed the first day of hearings into a controversial application to allow exploratory drilling for coal in the Grassy Mountain area.
The outbreak, which was first reported in October, sickened at least 104 people in 14 states, including one person who died and 34 who were hospitalized.
A nationwide recall has been issued for Taylor Farms' Sweet Kale Chopped Kit due to potential salmonella contamination, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) warned.
The City of Toronto is warning its ability to handle garbage at its landfill will hit capacity in 10 years, and finding a new landfill won't be easy.
Three-year-old Wade Butter’s cancer diagnosis brought his family to Ronald McDonald House, a lifeline during countless hospital visits and long, challenging days.