Gayle Robin was surprised when she found out her sister in California had tested positive for COVID-19 in early July. Shortly after, she began experiencing symptoms, but attributed them to a summer cold. However, upon returning home a few days later and still feeling unwell, she took a rapid antigen test which confirmed that she also had contracted the virus. Since then, Robin, her partner, his family, and some friends and co-workers in both Canada and the U.S. have all tested positive for COVID-19. The increase in cases is due to a summer wave of COVID-19 that is impacting both countries.
Dr. Andrew Pinto, director of the Upstream Lab at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, has noticed an increase in COVID-19 activity, supported by wastewater data indicating an upward trajectory in cases. He explained that COVID-19 is unique in that it is spreading even in the absence of cold, dry air with lots of people indoors, which is typically seen with other respiratory pathogens such as influenza. Dr. Fahad Razak, an internal medicine specialist at the same hospital, highlighted that coronaviruses historically spread year-round and do not follow a seasonal pattern. This lack of seasonal variation, combined with the fact that COVID-19 is still new and does not have the population immunity that other viruses like flu and RSV have, makes it more susceptible to spreading.
Summer presents opportunities for COVID-19 to spread, as people tend to socialize more and gather for events such as concerts. In addition to indoor gatherings, the hot weather can also drive people indoors to air-conditioned spaces, which can increase the spread of the virus. Dr. Pinto noted that the summer wave is happening at a time when individual immunity to COVID-19 infection is likely lower, as immunity decreases about six months after vaccination. Many people did not receive their COVID vaccines during the fall and winter, contributing to the increase in cases during the summer months.
While there has been a decrease in severe cases of COVID-19 thanks to vaccination and prior infections, vulnerable populations such as seniors and immunocompromised individuals are still at risk of becoming very ill from the virus. It is crucial for individuals to be aware that what they may perceive as a summer cold could actually be COVID-19 and take precautions accordingly. Dr. Razak emphasized the importance of not exposing vulnerable individuals to any respiratory virus, and especially COVID-19. Those who are high-risk should consider taking the antiviral drug Paxlovid to prevent serious illness from COVID-19.
Regardless of age or health status, confirming whether or not you have COVID-19 is important for timing vaccines and maximizing protection against the virus. Health Canada is reviewing mRNA vaccines and protein subunit vaccines targeted to recently circulating variants in preparation for the fall. It is crucial for individuals to get tested for COVID-19 as soon as possible and to continue following public health guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus. As the summer wave of COVID-19 continues, it is essential for individuals to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and others from the virus.
