COVID is still here: A podcast interview with Dr. Colin Lee – transcribed
Ian McLennan, September 12, 2024
Interview with Dr. Colin Lee, MD, MSc, CCFP(EM), FRCPC, Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, Associate Medical Officer of Health
We’ve had a COVID dominated summer with constant colds that we’re seeing. Over the summer the % of positivity of COVID tests is about 13% (double the rates of last summer). Compared to other respiratory viruses – the COVID rate is double the nearest competitor or the RHINO virus (the common cold). COVID hasn’t really settled down to the pattern of only the winter – it continues to be around all year.
Does this make the virus a bit of a different beast? Yes it is. We don’t know which factor it is that’s overriding and being able to do that. But it’s a combination, of one its the ability of the virus to mutate enough so that after a couple of months of either having the COVID immunization or having a– it COVID infection it’s able to escape the immunity that we have. And then it’s circulating enough even though we aren’t indoors as much as in winter, it’s able to find the next person to pass it on to. We all hope and wish it would act like previous flu pandemics where after a few years – a couple years, or 3 years or 4 years depending on which pandemic, that it would eventually settle down to just the winter because it can’t propagate during summer or spring – but that’s not the case, it’s been around all year around. And then in summer peoples’ immunity is a little bit down from the COVID vaccine from the COVID vaccine in the fall – or maybe in the spring, and it’s able to go up again like it has this summer.
Ian asks – We’re not alone in terms of this COVID spike? Looking across the country…
Dr. Lee: Yes It’s across the country and it’s across North America. We’re seeing more infections and more hospitalizations than last summer. Thankfully not as much as the winter but still a very important infection for those that are vulnerable to it
Ian asks: Are there even test kits available for those who want to know if there are test kits available to find out if they have COVID:
Dr. Lee: So I think there are a couple of things – for those who are most vulnerable who have medical – conditions, over the age of 60 or 65 – they may benefit from a COVID specific anti-viral medication, which has to be taken within 5 days of the start of infection, so for those people, they should really be looking to be tested and test kits are available at some pharmacies or from medical clinics or family doctors.
That is one reason to be tested because that will help with your eligibility to get medication to decrease hospitalization rates as well for them and complications. And for others who are not going to be taking medications, and who don’t have access to tests, if you get a cold, you have to assume there is a good chance it might be COVID and take your precautions. And that means just like any other infection to stay home until you’re feeling better – 10 days from the time you got symptoms and to stay away from people who are more vulnerable to COVID. If you have to be around them – to wear a mask. Because it can still shed for a number of days…
Ian asks: Would another COVID vaccine be required?
Dr. Lee: We’re all waiting for the updated COVID vaccine to come out in late September or early October. It’s the updated COVID vaccine with a strain that is much closer to what is circulating now. In terms of whether you’ve had one shot, two shots or the booster, it doesn’t matter any more – it’s really a one shot deal now… Most of us should be getting one vaccine every year about this time – and for those who are more vulnerable there will likely be another one in the spring of the following year.
Ian asks: Is it fair for people to say: ” – “You know what Doc? I have COVID fatigue – I’m done with this virus?”
Dr Lee: Well there is COVID fatigue everywhere including my household. There’s fatigue because it’s been so many years, and we just honestly want it to go away. But unfortunately it’s not going away, it’s not becoming seasonal, it’s not becoming like the flu – it has much more morbidity and more hospitalizations and deaths than any other virus.
It isn’t like it was before but we still have to think about our own health, and our colleagues, friends and family who are more vulnerable. So there are still some things to do: to stay home when you’re ill, wear a mask for a number of days after, to about 10 days; get your shot – and for those who are eligible for treatment, get tested early, and to go to your pharmacy or your health care provider for the antiviral treatment.