Is it COVID-19 or another virus?
COVID-19 isn't the only virus circulating throughout the community, as respiratory illnesses that seemed dormant for the past two years make a comeback.
According to Simcoe Muskoka's associate medical officer of health Dr. Colin Lee, seasonal influenza and Rhinovirus, otherwise known as the common cold, appear to be increasing.
"This is probably because during the winter, we have been using the multi-layered protective approach and have stifled colds and flus, and since we've relaxed some of our measures, I think they've found a way to infect others."
The symptoms are so similar to COVID-19 that Dr. Lee says it can be difficult to distinguish.
RAPID TESTS
Dr. Lee says the convenient at-home rapid tests can help ascertain if one has COVID-19, but they aren't always accurate and can come back with a negative result for someone positive.
"If you have COVID-19 symptoms and your test is negative, don't be completely reassured; you may still have it," Lee says. "So what you should probably do is do another rapid test two or three days after, and if that test is still negative, then most likely you don't have COVID."
GATHERING WITH FULLY VACCINATED INDIVIDUALS
While recent data collected by the health unit suggests a downward trend in COVID-19 across Simcoe Muskoka, Dr. Lee still recommends caution.
"Unfortunately, the vaccine is not 100 per cent effective, so there's always a chance your friends may be unknowingly infected."
Dr. Lee notes that while COVID-19 is coming down from a high peak, there is still significant transmission in the community.
The health unit continues to push outdoor gatherings where possible and wearing a face mask when indoors to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and any other virus.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Live updates as Stormy Daniels testifies at Trump hush money trial
Adult film star Stormy Daniels will take the stand a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump’s hush money case continues in Manhattan. Follow live updates here.
Toronto Maple Leafs fire head coach Sheldon Keefe
The Toronto Maple Leafs have announced that Sheldon Keefe has been relieved of his duties as head coach.
Bank of Canada says financial system is stable, but risks remain
The Bank of Canada says the Canadian financial system is stable, but risks remain due to debt servicing costs among households and businesses and stretched valuations of financial assets.
Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Court to hear about search for remains as Winnipeg murder trial enters second day
A courtroom in Winnipeg is expected to hear testimony today about the search for the remains of the four victims of Jeremy Skibicki.
Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
'We can and we must do better': First ever Air Accessibility Summit hits Ottawa
Federal ministers, airline executives and members of the disability community are gathering in Ottawa today for the first ever Air Accessibility Summit.