Like it or not, COVID-19 cases are increasing in Quebec, after a relative lull. The good news: we can slow the spread of the virus by taking certain precautions.
An expected return
It is important to know that this increase in cases is not abnormal. “We know this virus, we know that it works in cycles,” says André Veillette, professor at the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Montreal.
The positivity rate for screening tests is now 17.8%, while it had dropped to 2.1% in April, according to data from the Institut national de santé publique du Québec. An increase in the number of COVID-19 cases had also been observed at the beginning of the year, before falling again in the spring.
Furthermore, the situation in Quebec is “similar to that observed elsewhere in Canada and in the world,” according to the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS).
The new variants of the KP3 strain, descendants of Omicron, represent “40% of the virus detected,” according to André Veillette, who adds that the symptoms to watch for remain essentially the same. “We’re talking about cough, fever, shortness of breath, sometimes even diarrhea and vomiting,” lists the doctor.
Screening tests still effective
“The virus is changing, but the diagnostic methods are the same: it is still with rapid tests and PCR tests,” says André Veillette.
Rapid screening tests are offered free of charge at local service points, which are the only distribution channel since the end of the pharmacy distribution program for vulnerable people in March 2024.
Find a local service point
In addition, some pharmacists are now selling rapid screening tests, according to Hugues Mousseau, general director of the Association of Pharmacy Banners and Chains of Quebec (ABCPQ).
Health care workers, people who are hospitalized, have a planned operation or need to follow a specific medical treatment, as well as people who can benefit from treatment for COVID-19 have access to screening at local service points, by making an appointment on the Clic Santé platform.
Beware of expired rapid tests
Those who have accumulated rapid tests at home should pay attention to the manufacturing date on the box before using them. Since the results of an expired test may be inaccurate, the MSSS recommends not using them and throwing them away.
Please note that the expiry date of the tests has been modified by Health Canada.
Therefore, the expiration date indicated on the test kits does not always reflect the actual expiration date.
Ministry of Health and Social Services of Quebec
Most rapid tests can be stored and used for 24 months after manufacture, and BD Veritor brand tests are effective for up to 16 months after manufacture.
A vaccine to come
Being vaccinated remains the best way to protect yourself against COVID-19, according to André Veillette. “There is no absolute rule on the number of vaccines, but you have to try to be up to date, especially for at-risk populations.”
A vaccine targeting the KP2 strain variants, developed by Moderna and Pfizer, should be available in the fall, according to Hugues Mousseau. “The manufacturers have submitted their application for approval to Health Canada. It’s a process that takes some time, but we hope to administer the flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time,” he adds.
The entire population will be able to make an appointment on Clic Santé to receive the KP2 vaccine, once it is ready.
The usual precautions
If symptoms of COVID-19 occur, precautions should be taken.
We should have learned our lesson by now: if we ever have a fever, we protect the people around us and stay home.
André Veillette, professor at the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Montreal
Wearing a mask is required for people who have a new or worsening cough, a sore throat or nasal congestion, according to the MSSS. For the 10 days following the onset of symptoms, you must continue to exercise caution. “We keep our distance, and we avoid contact with vulnerable people,” says André Veillette.
These measures also apply in the case of influenza, another highly contagious respiratory disease, the doctor adds. “This virus is also very infectious, so we must use the same approach as with COVID-19, including getting vaccinated!”