COVID-19 not as scary but still a concern, say experts
⭐️HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW⭐️
- COVID-19 cases are starting to rise again.
- It could be because of new, potentially more infectious variants.
- Those cases are likely to rise more as we start to spend more time indoors.
- Find out what experts say about staying safe at school. ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️
Starting a new school year can be stressful enough.
Add COVID-19 into the mix and it can be even more of a headache. Literally.
As we head indoors for the fall and COVID-19 cases begin to rise, kids have been asking us: What should we do to stay safe this school year?
CBC Kids News talked to two medical experts to find out how to stay protected.
Dr. Christopher Labos is a cardiologist based in Montreal, Quebec.
Ayisha Kurji is an assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon.
As we enter a new school year, COVID-19 continues to be a problem. Experts say it’s best to stay home if you’re sick and, if you’re comfortable, wear a mask. (Image credit: Oseremen Irete/CBC)
What does COVID-19 look like in Canada right now?
Labos said that we’re already starting to see an uptick in cases.
That could be because there are new variants that are more infectious.
It could get worse as people start spending more time indoors.
That being said, it’s not nearly as bad as the beginning of the pandemic.
According to Kurji, the rise in cases may also have to do with old vaccines.
“Most of our vaccines are from a long time ago, and we’re not getting the same protection as we used to, which is why boosters are important,” she said.
What are the symptoms?
According to both experts, the common symptoms are fever, runny nose, shortness of breath, cough, muscle aches and upset stomach.
Unless you get tested, you won’t know what you have, since many viruses have similar symptoms.
When should I test?
Both experts said testing is still an important part of stopping the spread to protect people who are at risk of getting very sick.
If too many people get sick at once, they could cause overcrowding in emergency rooms.
Labos said it’s a good idea to test as soon as you start to see symptoms.
“You’re more likely to test positive within the first few days of infection,” he said. “Repeat the test several times if you can, because many people get false negatives.”
What should I do if I test positive for COVID-19?
Both experts said the most important thing is to stay home from school.
“Rest, drink lots of fluid and stay away from other people. Wash your hands as much as you can and have everyone around you do the same to minimize the spread,” said Kurji.
Labos said that if you’re really sick, it’s time to head to the doctor.
It’s still important to keep your COVID-19 boosters up to date. If you haven’t had one since last year, it’s time to get updated. (Image credit: Andrew Vaughan/The Canadian Press)
What should kids know about the new variants?
There are two new variants that are both part of the Omicron family.
“The first is EG.5, which is more infectious and is rapidly becoming the dominant strain,” said Labos.
The second is BA.2.86.
Some experts are worried it may be even more infectious, but that’s not clear yet.
Do kids still need COVID-19 boosters?
Both experts said that kids should continue to get boosters.
“The National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends getting a new booster every six months or 6 months since your last COVID-19 infection,” said Dr. Kurji.
Kurji said boosters are important because they provide more protection than our initial vaccines, which were for an older strain of COVID-19.
It may be better to wait for the new booster to be released, but it’s unclear when that will be available to kids.
CBC Kids News reached out to Health Canada to find out and we’re waiting to hear back.
How can kids stay safe?
Both experts said the measures that worked in the past are still the best practices.
Stay home if you get sick, wash your hands regularly and wear a mask if you feel comfortable doing so.
Have more questions? Want to tell us how we're doing? Use the “send us feedback” link below. ⬇️⬇️⬇️
TOP IMAGE CREDIT: Tamisha Harris/CBC
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