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Even if your child isn’t currently sick, getting virus after virus may feel unavoidable. However, there are ways you can help to protect your kids from the worst of cold and flu season. Here’s how to keep your kids healthy this winter and what to do if they come down with something despite your best efforts.

How to keep your kids from getting sick

Cold weather doesn’t have to mark the start of fever and runny nose season. Here’s how to help protect your kids from getting sick.

How to help your child recover comfortably

Viruses spread easily, and even the most conscientious kids can get sick. No matter what they’re sick with, however, encouraging your child to rest is one of the best things you can do to promote recovery. You can also make them more comfortable by:

• Prioritizing hydration. Give your child frequent small sips of water to keep the mucus flowing and help reduce congestion.
• Running a cool mist humidifier to ease nasal congestion and breathing. Don’t forget to use purified water and disinfect regularly to avoid dispersing bacteria or mold into the air.
• Investing in a good quality nasal aspirator for babies and children who can’t blow their own nose.
• Using a purified saline solution to clear nasal passages. You can combine this with a nasal aspirator tool.

What medications should I give my child for cold or flu?

Provided they don’t have any allergies to the medicines and you dose by weight, you can safely give your child fever-reducers like acetaminophen (Tylenol or Tempra) or ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin). These also address other symptoms like sore throat and headache.

However, giving children under 18 Aspirin for headaches or other symptoms is a definite no as it can cause Reye’s Syndrome, a serious illness. And, since antibiotics only treat bacterial infections, they won’t work against the viruses that cause colds and flu.

If giving your child medication is feeling tricky, talking to a doctor online can help to answer any questions you have. They may also be able to provide prescription medication like antiviral drugs to shorten the severity and length of your child’s flu. This is especially helpful for children at higher risk of flu complications, like the immunocompromised or kids under five.

If you go this route, timing is everything since antivirals are most effective within 48 hours of symptom onset. With Maple, you can connect to a doctor within minutes. And, if they do prescribe an antiviral, it can be faxed to the pharmacy of your choice, or delivered free to your door.

Without antivirals, how long does the flu last in kids? Recovery should take about a week although coughing and low energy can linger for a week or two after. In contrast, colds take about 7-10 days to run their course.

Should I let my child’s fever run its course?

Fever isn’t just distressing, it can also be confusing — is 37.5°C a fever in a child? Is 38°C? And how do you know when a fever is too high for a child?

While it can be upsetting to watch your child wrestle with a fever, there are clear guidelines for treating them.

For starters, an underarm or oral measurement above 37.5°C is considered a fever. For ear and rectal temperature, 37.9°C is top of the normal range. But, while you can treat a temperature above these, you don’t have to. If your child’s comfortable, focus on keeping them hydrated and well rested.

When to have your child see a doctor for a cold or the flu

You know your child best. If you think something’s wrong, it’s never a bad idea to speak to a doctor. Beyond that, you should also reach out to a healthcare provider if:

• Your child goes from getting better to suddenly getting worse.
• Your child has a barking cough and raspy-sounding breathing — this may indicate croup.
• A persistently high fever in a child with no other symptoms lingers beyond 48 hours. It may indicate an underlying medical issue or infection.

It’s time to take your toddler or child to the hospital when they:

• Have a fever and are experiencing confusion, lethargy, severe drowsiness, or a stiff neck
• Are having difficulty breathing — this can look like working hard to breathe or having difficulty catching their breath just sitting or talking
• Are showing signs of dehydration

No matter how old they are, seeing your child sick can be stressful. With Maple, get the convenience of 24/7 virtual care anytime, anywhere and connect with a Canadian-licensed healthcare provider to help ease your concerns and get the treatment you need. If you’re looking to get an online prescription or see a healthcare provider quickly, Maple has you covered whether it’s the middle of the day or the middle of the night. Sign up today to help your child feel better, faster.

The information presented here is for educational purposes and is not meant to replace the advice from your medical professional.

When using virtual care, all medical treatment is at the sole discretion of the provider. Virtual care is not meant for medical emergencies, and your provider will determine if your case is appropriate for virtual care. If you are experiencing an emergency like chest pain or difficulties breathing, for example, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

The post How to keep your kids healthy this winter appeared first on Maple.

If you’re not feeling well, here is a handy chart to help you determine what could be causing your symptoms.

Find out what you can do to steer clear, get better, and how Maple can get you the care you need from anywhere, at any time. If you need it, you can get lab work ordered, a sick note, and even choose to have your Maple prescription delivered to your door for free. For residents of Ontario, a subscription with Maple can give you the added reassurance of unlimited* visits for all family members in your household.

Differences between colds, the flu, and Covid-19

Cold

Colds generally have less severe symptoms and come on more gradually. The time it takes from first contact to feeling symptoms ranges from 1 to 4 days. People are most contagious in the first 3 days, but can continue up to 2 weeks after the start of your symptoms.

The names head cold vs common cold vs cold are often used interchangeably. A head cold and chest cold differ by the location of the symptoms. Symptoms like sore throat, sneezing, stuffy or runny nose are examples of head cold symptoms. Chest colds have a cough or chest congestion as your main symptoms.

Head colds and runny noses can also lead to coughs. Postnasal drip is one of the most common causes of coughing. The mucus drips down your throat, causing you to cough. It’s also why coughing seems to gets worse at night when you are laying down. If you have a cough at night without other flu or cold symptoms, you will want to talk about this with a healthcare provider as it could be a sign of something else more serious.

Flu

Flu symptoms on the other hand come on suddenly, without much warning, and you can feel terrible. You may have all over body aches, pains, and fever as your body tries to fight or kill the invading virus by spiking your temperature. If you are wondering, “how long does a fever last?” You aren’t the only one, and in the moment, it probably feels like forever. Rest assured, most people feel better after 3 to 7 days. Some may have a lingering cough and body aches for 2 weeks or longer. If your symptoms last longer than 7 to 10 days, you will want to connect with a healthcare provider.

Covid-19

Covid-19 is unique in that it can have a range of symptoms and symptom severity from mild if any, all the way to very severe and sometimes even life threatening. Covid-19 is a virus with many different variants changing almost monthly. So far, the dominant variant does not show itself to be more severe than the previous strains.

Treatment options

When it comes to treating viral infections–colds, flus, and Covid-19 alike, there are no cures. Isolation and self-care are great places to start. Give yourself plenty of rest and hydrate well. The next best thing is to treat your symptoms.

Home Remedies

Many tried and true remedies have been practiced in homes for thousands of years. Some home remedies to consider for this cold and flu season:

It’s important to weigh the risks and benefits of even natural supplements to ensure there are no interactions with other medicines you may be taking. Work with a healthcare provider or pharmacist to make sure these options are safe for you.

Over the counter medications

Nasal decongestants or saline sprays can help break up stuffy noses. Analgesics and antipyretics like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or NSAIDS (Advil or Aleve for example) can help with headaches, pain, and fever.

Always avoid giving acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin, ASA) to children and adolescents under 18 years old to avoid the risk of Reye Syndrome. It’s a rare disorder that causes brain swelling among other things.

Antiviral treatments

Antivirals are available to treat flu and Covid-19. They can speed up recovery and help prevent complications. Symptoms of flu can be reduced in length by up to 24 hours by taking antiviral treatments like Tamiflu. Paxlovid and Veklury are some of the antiviral therapies available in Canada to treat Covid-19. Antivirals work best when taken early, on day 1 of your symptoms. Like most medicines, they also come with side effects, and are best used when the risks of flu or Covid-19 complications outweigh the side effects of the drug.

Preventing colds, the flu, and Covid-19

Did you know that up to half of people with flu or Covid-19 can be walking around completely symptom free? Colds, the flu, and Covid-19 are all spread from person to person by droplets that are sprayed into the air with coughing and sneezing. There are steps you can take to minimize the spread of viruses even without having symptoms yourself this cold and flu season. Try these protective practices:

	Avoid touching your face
	Coughing or sneezing into tissues or your elbow
	Practice good hand hygiene especially before eating by washing your hands with soap and water for about 20 seconds. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer is a great alternative on the go
	Keep to healthy sleep routines, with consistent sleep and wake-up times, aiming for 8 hours of sleep each night
	Reach for nourishing whole foods more than pre-packaged and processed foods
	Hydrate well
	Exercise regularly with moderately intense physical activity 150 minutes per week
	You can mask up when physical distancing is not an option
	Prime your immune system with a vaccine for flu or covid-19. Vaccines can reduce the severity of covid and flu symptoms and length of illness
	Isolate if you get sick. For flu symptoms, it is best to stay home for at least 7 days, or another 24 hours after your fever and respiratory symptoms have stopped

When you need a doctor, Maple is here for you

Many can fend off a cold, flu, or Covid-19 at home, but sometimes you may need to tag in your healthcare provider to help. You should do this if your cold or flu symptoms improved but then worsened once again, or your other medical conditions have gotten worse. A general rule of thumb is if you don’t feel like you’re getting better around days 7-10 with a cold, flu, or Covid-19, then you will want to connect with a healthcare professional to rule out a complication like pneumonia for example. However, if you or someone you know is working hard or struggling to breathe, has persistent chest or stomach pains, is lethargic, confused or disoriented, seek emergent medical care right away.

We all know that sickness pops up at the most inconvenient times. With Maple, get the convenience of 24/7 virtual care anytime, anywhere. Visit with one of our Canadian-licensed providers today.

The information presented here is for educational purposes and is not meant to replace the advice from your medical professional.

When using virtual care, all medical treatment is at the sole discretion of the provider. Virtual care is not meant for medical emergencies, and your provider will determine if your case is appropriate for virtual care. If you are experiencing an emergency like chest pain or difficulties breathing, for example, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

The post Is it a cold, flu, or Covid-19? Learn the differences, best next steps, and how Maple can help this cold and flu season appeared first on Maple.

In late November of 2021, Pfizer, the maker of one of the many COVID-19 vaccines, released an oral antiviral medication called Paxlovid. By January of 2022, it was approved by Health Canada. But what exactly is Paxlovid, and who’s eligible to take it? Read more to find out everything you need to know about the first Health Canada-approved oral COVID-19 treatment.

What is Paxlovid and how effective is it?

Paxlovid is a COVID-19 antiviral pill that combines two medications which are packaged together — nirmatrelvir and ritonavir. Nirmatrelvir stops the virus from replicating in your body, while ritonavir delays the breakdown of nirmatrelvir so that it remains in the body for longer and at higher concentrations.

If you’re prescribed the medication, you’ll take three pills twice daily for five consecutive days. This also makes it more convenient for patients to take at home to use, unlike previous drugs that have required an IV and hospitalization.

The antiviral medication is given to high-risk adults within five days of experiencing mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19. High-risk adults include those who are:

• Over the age of 18 and are immunocompromised due to a health condition or medication
• Over the age of 18 with fewer than three vaccines and have a risk condition including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, and more.
• Over the age of 60 with fewer than three vaccines
• Over the age of 70

It should be noted that Paxlovid Canada isn’t used for those who are hospitalized because of COVID-19, to prevent the virus, to be used for more than five days in a row, or for children under the age of 18.

While it’s still early days for Paxlovid, studies have shown that it’s effective in reducing mortality and hospitalization rates in patients with COVID-19, and that it’s a safe medication to take. And, even though the drug was originally known for being effective at stopping severe illness from the Omicron variant when it first came out, it appears to be just as effective at protecting people against all other COVID-19 variants so far.

Can Canadian doctors prescribe Paxlovid to patients?

Yes, doctors in Canada can prescribe Paxlovid to patients. To receive a prescription, you’ll need to test positive on either a rapid antigen or PCR test and then speak to a doctor about getting a prescription.

Prescriptions can be taken to a COVID-19 clinical assessment centre or to a participating pharmacy, depending on where you live. If you plan on going to a pharmacy, your best bet is to call ahead to make sure your local pharmacy is distributing the antiviral medication.

Before considering using this medication, however, you should speak with your family doctor about it before possibly contracting COVID-19. The reason is that they know your medical history best and will be able to tell you if the drug could be harmful based on any medications you take.

This way, if you do contract the virus, you’ll be prepared to take action within the first five days if you’re experiencing mild to moderate symptoms. If you don’t have a family doctor, make a list of the medications you take and talk to a doctor about them to make sure Paxlovid is safe for you.

Will Paxlovid be effective against future COVID-19 variants?

While there’s no COVID-19 variant crystal ball, the current research looks promising. Paxlovid was originally undergoing trials when the Delta variant was dominant, and was released when Omicron took over. Since then, it has been effective in preventing serious disease and death. However, the drug is considered to be in its early stages and continues to be studied.

What are the side effects and risks of Paxlovid?

Like most drugs, Paxlovid isn’t side-effect-free. Typical side effects include:

• Altered sense of taste
• Diarrhea
• Muscle pain
• Vomiting
• High blood pressure
• Headache

There are also many medications Paxlovid can’t be taken with due to properties of the ritonavir. The list is pretty long and includes but isn’t limited to certain prescriptions for kidney problems, liver problems (or both), blood pressure, prostate cancer, epilepsy, allergies, and more.

This is because as your body metabolizes nirmatrelvir, the other half of the medication, ritonavir, suppresses certain liver enzymes to make sure the nirmatrelvir stays in your body. By suppressing certain liver enzymes, your liver isn’t able to properly metabolize other medications.

Is Paxlovid safe for children?

Paxlovid has only recently been tested in children as young as six-years-old, however, there’s no conclusive research that it’s safe just yet. Currently, the antiviral medication is only approved for those in Canada who are 18 years of age or older and meet the higher risk criteria.

Is Paxlovid safe during pregnancy?

You shouldn’t take the medication if you’re pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to become pregnant unless recommended otherwise by a healthcare provider. The reason for this is that there isn’t enough information just yet for those in similar situations who have taken the drug.

Is Paxlovid the same as Ivermectin?

While Ivermectin was used in an attempt to treat people with severe COVID-19 infection in the beginning stages of the pandemic, it’s not the same as Paxlovid.

Ivermectin is an antiparasitic drug, meaning it’s used to treat parasites in humans and animals. If you’ve heard of a dog having worms before, for example, it’s likely they were treated with Ivermectin. In humans, the treatment has been used in some cases related to worms and parasites.

However, COVID-19 is caused by a virus, not a parasite, and Ivermectin isn’t recommended as a treatment method. In fact, taking large doses of Ivermectin could be dangerous. Paxlovid, on the other hand, is an antiviral medication that’s specifically meant to treat — you guessed it — viruses.

What’s the cost of Paxlovid in Canada?

There’s no cost for Paxlovid in Canada. Regardless of what province or territory you live in, the government has covered the costs of the medication. If you’re experiencing mild to moderate symptoms within five days of contracting COVID-19, you’ll need a prescription from a doctor and can pick up the medication at a clinical assessment centre or at a participating pharmacy.

Can Paxlovid Cause Anxiety?

Some patients have reported Paxlovid anxiety as a side effect, though clinical data on this symptom is still limited. Anxiety can sometimes be triggered by illness itself, but there have been anecdotal cases where individuals experienced increased Paxlovid anxiety after starting the medication. If you have a history of anxiety or panic disorders, it’s a good idea to speak with your doctor before taking Paxlovid.

Could Paxlovid help treat long COVID?

There’s no concrete evidence yet that Paxlovid helps treat post-COVID, also known as long COVID — lingering symptoms in those who have recovered from an initial infection. The condition may affect as many as three in ten who have had COVID-19. The most common symptoms of long COVID in adults include:

• Fatigue
• Memory problems
• Trouble sleeping
• Shortness of breath
• Anxiety and depression
• General body pain and discomfort
• Difficulty thinking or concentrating
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Children can also experience long COVID, with symptoms such as:

• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Weight loss
• Muscle pain
• Trouble sleeping
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Difficulty thinking or concentrating

So far, some studies have shown a significantly reduced risk of developing the condition if you’re vaccinated as opposed to not being vaccinated. One study found a 50% lower risk of persistent COVID-19 symptoms in patients who were vaccinated, while another study — which is still new and requires more research — found a 41% lower risk.

While there’s no conclusive answer just yet, being vaccinated appears to reduce but not eliminate your risk of long COVID. However, it’s best to be safe than sorry and continue to take precautions if someone around you may have symptoms of the virus, as well as get fully vaccinated — including a fourth booster dose, if eligible — if you haven’t yet.

Is Paxlovid a replacement for the COVID-19 vaccine?

Paxlovid should absolutely not be considered a substitute for vaccinations, since you might not be eligible to receive a prescription. And, Paxlovid can only be used once you’ve been exposed to the virus and have mild to moderate symptoms, not as a prevention method.

Vaccines are your first line of defence against hospitalization and death caused by COVID-19, and prevention is key when it comes to staying safe from the virus.

It has been a long two years, but science has also come a long way. Moving at lightning speed, we now have vaccinations and antiviral medication to help stop the virus from making people sicker.

With that being said, it’s still important to take precautions and avoid seeing others if you feel you may have COVID-19, and test yourself or get tested if you feel you may have the virus. Jumping on this early enough — specifically in that five-day window— could mean that you may take Paxlovid and avoid potential complications. Remember, the sooner the better when it comes to taking this antiviral pill.

This pandemic may feel like it has gone on forever, but it’s still too early to let your guard down with the virus spreading. It remains crucial to continue to stay away from others if they’re sick or if you’re feeling sick, and to monitor your own symptoms as we continue to get through this together.

The information presented here is for educational purposes and is not meant to replace the advice from your medical professional.

When using virtual care, all medical treatment is at the sole discretion of the provider. Virtual care is not meant for medical emergencies, and your provider will determine if your case is appropriate for virtual care. If you are experiencing an emergency like chest pain or difficulties breathing, for example, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

The post Paxlovid: what you need to know appeared first on Maple.

The latest COVID-19 variant, dubbed Omicron, is a strain experts are worried about when it comes to both the unvaccinated and vaccinated. Here’s what you need to know about the differences between Omicron and the other variants, how dangerous it is, your level of protection against it if you’re vaccinated, and much more.

What is the Omicron variant?

The new variant B.1.1.529, named Omicron, was first detected in November 2021 in Botswana and South Africa. With a large number of mutations on the spike protein (the mechanism used to bind human cells), Omicron is a variant of concern that has been linked to an increase in infections in multiple countries, including Canada, and has replaced the Delta variant as the predominant variant of concern in South Africa.

And those extra mutations on the spike protein are bad news because the more mutations there are, the harder it is for your immune system to fight off a virus. While there’s still much more research that needs to be done and as the data changes each day, it’s important to stay vigilant, get vaccinated, and follow COVID-19 safety protocols.

Is Omicron a dangerous variant of COVID-19?

Though we’re still in relatively early stages since the discovery of Omicron, it appears to be more contagious but less dangerous than any other variants of concern so far. According to one South African study by Discovery Health, the Omicron variant is more resistant to current vaccines but causes less severe symptoms.

So if Omicron symptoms are mostly mild, what’s the big deal then? The strain on the healthcare system is one of the big issues. Because Omicron is so contagious, those with underlying health conditions and/or are unvaccinated could be at risk of complications.

It’s also important to keep in mind that initially reported infections were among younger individuals who tend to have more mild symptoms/disease. As well, there’s often a delay from the onset of symptoms to respiratory complications, so understanding the level of severity of this new COVID-19 variant of concern will take more time.

This also means there isn’t a huge pool of positive cases to provide concrete research about how most people will react, so more data is still needed before overlooking Omicron. With all of this in mind, if you haven’t been vaccinated yet, there’s no time like the present.

Where has Omicron spread and how are scientists tracking it?

Much like the Delta, Lambda, and other COVID-19 variants of concern you’ve heard about throughout this pandemic, Omicron continues to spread around the world in large part due to travellers. South Africa currently has the most cases, with thousands being tracked each day. But according to the World Health Organization, Omicron has been detected in 38 countries, including Canada.

Researchers also continue to believe that Omicron is an extremely infectious COVID-19 variant with the highest risk of transmissibility out of any of the other variants of concern so far.

Will Omicron become the dominant strain of COVID-19 in Canada?

With Omicron being the dominant COVID-19 variant in South Africa right now, it’s likely that this will be the case for Canada as well. Because Omicron is considered highly transmissible, current projections suggest that this variant will indeed become the dominant strain in Canada. In Ontario specifically, Omicron appears to be infecting 7.7 times more individuals than the Delta variant, which means it may already be the dominant strain circulating the province.

What are the symptoms of Omicron?

While Omicron is different from other strains of COVID-19, there’s no concrete evidence that symptoms associated with this variant are different from the original strain of COVID-19 or other variants.

Typical symptoms of COVID-19 include, but aren’t limited to, fever, chills, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, shortness of breath, headache, and body aches. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you should book a PCR test immediately. You can book through your local public health unit or through Maple, and should also follow the advice of your local public health unit.

What makes Omicron different from other variants?

There’s one big difference between Omicron and the other variants that have surfaced, and that’s the number of mutations it carries. Omicron has displayed over 50 mutations and over 30 of those are in the spike protein itself. And while this might just sound like something out of a science fiction movie, the reality is the more mutations, the more infectious a virus will be.

In addition, clinical differences include impact on diagnostic and testing treatments and severity of disease, which we’ll discuss below.

Does the COVID-19 vaccine stop transmission of Omicron?

Recent studies on vaccine effectiveness in South Africa show that the Omicron variant presents some evasion of the immune response induced by Comirnaty (Pfizer-BioNTech), Spikevax (Moderna), Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca), and other vaccines.

Breakthrough infections in those fully vaccinated can still occur, however, these vaccines still protect against severe disease and death. This is an outcome that has only recently been presented but is still a possibility, which is another reason why researchers continue to say you should get vaccinated or book your booster shot.

How does Omicron affect travel?

Like previous COVID-19 variants of concern, travel in Canada has been affected by Omicron. Additional measures have been put in place for travellers, including no entry from foreign nationals to Canada via South Africa, Botswana, Egypt, and other countries with high cases of Omicron to date.

If you do happen to be travelling soon, it’s best to check the government website of your destination to find out what their COVID-19 protocols are. You’ll also likely experience delays because of increased public health measures. If you’re returning from the U.S. to Canada specifically, you should check if you’re eligible to enter the country as well as meet all entry requirements before crossing the border.

Can PCR tests detect if I have Omicron?

Yes, standard Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests used throughout the COVID-19 pandemic are able to detect if you’ve been infected with Omicron since most PCR tests can detect part of the Omicron genome – the same goes for other variants of concern.

Rapid antigen tests are also a good way to screen for COVID symptoms for work or school if you’re displaying symptoms of COVID-19, and you can get results within 15 minutes.

Will the vaccine protect me against Omicron?

If you’re double vaccinated, the current vaccines have been shown to protect against Omicron, but it’s possible for breakthrough COVID-19 infections to occur. With highly contagious COVID-19 variants like Omicron or Delta, protective measures like being double or triple vaccinated help prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and even death.

COVID-19 booster shots provide an added layer of protection so if you can get one, it’s best to say yes and sign up for your third jab as soon as possible. And just like the beginning of the vaccine rollout, all vaccines currently being offered are good to prevent you from severe illness and death. COVID-19 boosters are touted as being so helpful especially in the fight against Omicron that certain provinces have lowered age limits so that residents can get their shots as soon as possible.

Will there be an updated vaccine to protect against Omicron?

As of late November 2021, Pfizer-BioNTech started working on an Omicron-specific version of its vaccine and it’s possible this vaccine could be ready within the next three months or so, pending regulatory approval. Moderna is also working on an updated version of its vaccine that could be ready to file with regulators by March 2022.

It should be noted that even though the current vaccines have been out for a while, they continue to provide protection against hospitalization and death, which includes infection from the Omicron variant so far. Pfizer, for example, says that the third dose of its vaccine, along with two previous doses, increases your level of antibodies by 25-fold.

It’s also important to remember that with this time of year, Omicron isn’t the only virus floating around. It’s expected that there will be more cases of the flu for Canadians this winter, which means it’s equally as important to get your flu shot as well as a COVID-19 booster shot.

How do I protect myself and my loved ones against Omicron?

It should be noted that Omicron has a higher household transmission risk compared to other strains of COVID-19 – 19% vs. 8.3%, to be exact, so if you do test positive, you should do your best to protect everyone in your home.

The best way to keep yourself and those around you safe from the Omicron variant is to make sure you’re double (or triple, if possible) vaccinated, continue keeping six feet of distance between others, wear a well-fitted mask, avoid poorly ventilated areas and improve ventilation when possible, and keep your hands clean to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

If you’re displaying symptoms or are concerned you’ve been exposed to someone who has COVID-19, PCR tests remain the best method of testing. If you live in Ontario or Nova Scotia, you can easily book an independent PCR test today with Maple and get results back within 48 hours or less.

While research of the Omicron variant continues, one thing’s for sure – as long as COVID-19 is around, it doesn’t look like there will be a shortage of COVID-19 variants, so it’s best to take as many safety precautions as possible to help keep you and your loved ones safe.

The information presented here is for educational purposes and is not meant to replace the advice from your medical professional.

When using virtual care, all medical treatment is at the sole discretion of the provider. Virtual care is not meant for medical emergencies, and your provider will determine if your case is appropriate for virtual care. If you are experiencing an emergency like chest pain or difficulties breathing, for example, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

The post Omicron: what we know about the new variant appeared first on Maple.

Many Canadians have questions though — from wondering if it’s safe to get their flu and COVID-19 vaccine together, to how to tell the difference between flu symptoms and COVID-19 symptoms. Here’s everything you need to know about the vaccine, COVID-19, and everything in between.

Will this year be a bad year for the flu?

All that masking, staying home, and social distancing Canadians did last year meant that influenza activity was exceptionally low last winter. By the third week of March 2021, only 66 cases of influenza had been detected. In previous years, you’d be more likely to see around 43,000 by that time of year. While fewer cases is a good thing, it also causes some challenges for this year’s flu season.

Just like COVID-19, the flu virus mutates, and some variants are worse than others. With so few confirmed cases last year, there may be additional strains going around. And, with so few people getting sick last year, there’s less natural immunity in the population so the virus has more opportunities to infect people. Combining these factors with easing COVID-19 public health measures might mean that the flu will come roaring back this winter.

Symptoms of COVID-19 vs. the flu vs. a cold

The virus that causes COVID-19 is different from the ones that cause the flu or the common cold, but it’s not always easy to tell the difference based on symptoms alone. If you have any of the following flu or COVID-19 symptoms, stay home and isolate until you receive a negative COVID-19 test.

Does the flu shot really protect you?

You’ve likely heard about scientists getting the vaccine “wrong” in previous years. That’s because the vaccine given in North America is developed six months ahead of our flu season, based on the strains circulating at that time. Viruses can be unpredictable, however, so by the time the flu season starts here, what’s actually going around may have changed.

Even if the vaccine doesn’t line up with the current virus infecting people, getting it is still worthwhile. Evidence shows that getting it every year has a cumulative effect, helping you to build up immunity to flu viruses in general. It’s still possible to get the flu after being vaccinated, but you’re less likely to have severe symptoms.

Is it safe?

Yes, the vaccine is safe for most people. If you experienced a severe allergic reaction to a previous shot, developed Guillain-Barré syndrome within six weeks of a previous one, or have an anaphylactic allergy to a component of the vaccine (other than eggs), you should speak to your healthcare provider to determine if it’s safe for you. For everyone else over the age of six months, the vaccine is recommended.

The flu shot consists of several strains of the flu, causing you to develop antibodies to fight those viruses. The vaccine contains inactivated — or dead — viruses though, so you can’t get the virus from the flu shot.

Who should and shouldn’t get the vaccine?

Almost everyone six months and older should get a flu shot unless you’re allergic to a component of the vaccine. Flu symptoms can affect anyone, and getting them can be pretty miserable — or worse. In a typical year, the virus causes around 12,200 hospitalizations and 3,500 deaths in Canada.

Most people who are infected will lose a few days to feeling sick. Certain populations, however, have a higher risk of severe illness and are more likely to be hospitalized and even die. These include young children, pregnant women, adults over the age of 65, and those with chronic health conditions. Because infants less than six months can’t get a flu shot and are at increased risk of severe illness, it’s crucial that their parents and caregivers get the vaccine.

Flu symptoms can be very serious during pregnancy, and both pregnant and breastfeeding women should get their shot. Pregnant women who receive the vaccine can actually boost their children’s immunity for a few months after birth.

Because seniors can get very sick from the virus, a special, high-dose vaccine is recommended for those in the 65+ category. If for whatever reason the high-dose vaccine isn’t available, you should get whichever one is. All of the vaccines work well and it’s more important that you protect yourself rather than wait for a specific vaccine. They also reach full efficacy after about two weeks, so the sooner you get it the better.

Should my child get the flu shot?

As long as they’re over six months, it’s safe for your child to get the vaccine. More than 1,300 children were hospitalized in Canada due to the flu during the winter of 2018/19, and 66% of them were under the age of five. Making sure your child gets the vaccine lessens their chances of getting severe symptoms. It may even save their life.

What are the side effects?

If you do have side effects from the vaccine, they’ll likely be mild. Most are limited to pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site, or symptoms of mild illness like headache, chills, or muscle aches. Children might be a little more irritable than usual.

While it’s possible to experience serious side effects, this is rare. You’re much more likely to have complications from the virus itself than the vaccine.

Can I get a flu shot and a COVID-19 shot at the same time?

Yes. A recent study shows that it’s safe to get both shots at the same time. Beyond being safe, receiving both vaccines at the same appointment doesn’t affect the efficacy of either one.

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) has also said that the COVID-19 vaccine is safe to get with any other vaccine. This has prompted some jurisdictions to offer simultaneous jabs for both COVID-19 and the flu at the same appointment. Depending on where you live, you might be able to get both of your vaccines at the same time.

How else can I protect myself from the flu and COVID-19?

Vaccines are the gold standard for protecting yourself from both COVID-19 and the flu, but they’re not 100% effective for everyone. To protect yourself and those you love, you should take additional public health measures. Practice physical distancing, good hand hygiene, and wear a mask indoors in public places.

If you must use high-touch surfaces like elevator buttons or subway poles, don’t touch your face until you’ve had the chance to wash your hands. And most importantly, if you’re experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, the flu, or even a cold, stay home and get tested.

COVID-19 vs. the flu

COVID-19 and the flu have similarities, but they’re far from the same. Here’s how they differ, and where they overlap.

Source: Centres for Disease Control and Prevention

As of early November, more than 88% of eligible Canadians have at least one COVID-19 jab. Despite all the public outreach regarding vaccinations, however, less than half of Canadians under 65 got their flu shot last year. Dropping temperatures are forcing everyone inside, just as public health restrictions are easing across the country. That combination might mean that 2021/22 stacks up to be one of the worst winters for flu in recent memory. If you haven’t gotten your flu shot yet, there’s no time like the present.

Flu shots are available in pharmacies and doctors’ offices across the country and are free. Winters in this country are hard enough without having to suffer through flu symptoms. Protect yourself and those you love by getting your shot today.

The information presented here is for educational purposes and is not meant to replace the advice from your medical professional.

When using virtual care, all medical treatment is at the sole discretion of the provider. Virtual care is not meant for medical emergencies, and your provider will determine if your case is appropriate for virtual care. If you are experiencing an emergency like chest pain or difficulties breathing, for example, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

The post Flu and COVID-19 vaccines: everything you need to know appeared first on Maple.

Starting October 22nd, 2021, businesses will begin checking the vaccination status of guests using registered QR codes. This will function as an alternative to employees reviewing PDFs or printed copies for proof of vaccination in order for patrons to access those facilities. These QR codes will allow you to quickly and efficiently show businesses that you’re fully vaccinated as part of the new digital Vaccine Passport app, Verify Ontario. From how Verify Ontario works to how to get your QR code, here’s everything you need to know about this new system.

How does Verify Ontario work?

The Verify Ontario app allows businesses to quickly and easily confirm vaccination status on a platform that’s secure and protected against information theft. This will allow staff at any regulated facility to easily check visitors’ QR codes, using either business-owned or personal digital mobile devices. All they have to do is scan a visitor’s QR code using the app’s camera feature and a colour-coded image will appear.

Green = Verified fully vaccinated

Yellow = Invalid QR code or error in scanning

Red = Unvaccinated

At this time, the Verify Ontario app only functions for businesses to check on the vaccination status of their patrons. If you won’t be checking the vaccine status of other people using their QR code, you don’t need the Verify Ontario app. The app doesn’t allow you to save your QR code to the app for use when you’re visiting regulated facilities. You also cannot register for your QR code through the Verify Ontario app.

How do I get a QR code for my vaccine passport?

1. Visit the Ontario COVID-19 get proof website to begin the process
2. Answer the questions on the page and click “Get results” when you’re done
3. Click the “Continue” button that will appear below
4. Scroll down on the new page until you see a box that you can click to confirm that you have read, understood, and accept the terms of use agreement
5. Click the “Download your enhanced vaccine certificate or book your vaccine appointment” button
6. Fill in your information and click “Continue”
7. Choose “Continue” under the “Proof of Vaccination” section
8. Click the “Download your enhanced vaccine certificate” button, and receive your QR code

You can download it to any of your digital devices or print the sheet out to bring with you. If you don’t want to use the website to apply for your enhanced vaccine certificate that includes your QR code, you can call 1-833-943-3900 for assistance. Registration can be completed by phone, and then your QR code can either be mailed or emailed directly to you. This may take up to 10 business days for traditional mail.

What app will the government be using for the vaccine passport QR code system?

The application is called Verify Ontario. The official government website for information about the app can be found on the Ontario COVID-19 verify website.

Will I need an ID in addition to using the Verify Ontario app?

Yes. You’ll need to show one piece of government-issued photo ID in addition to your QR code in order to allow businesses to confirm your identity.

Where can I download the Verify Ontario app?

The Verify Ontario app is available for both Apple and Android users. It can be downloaded from both the Apple App Store & the Google Play Store, depending on which type of digital device you’re using.

When will the Verify Ontario app be available for use?

The Verify Ontario app is currently available for anyone to download through the Apple App and Google Play stores. It’s ready for immediate implementation into any business’ vaccine verification process.

Does the Verify Ontario app need internet access to function?

No, the app verifies vaccination status through QR codes without the internet. However, Government of Ontario officials have stated that the app will need periodic access to the internet in order to update the application.

When will QR codes be available?

All residents of Ontario are now able to download the Verify Ontario app. This means that any vaccinated Ontario resident can register for their code.

Can I add the QR code to the Verify Ontario app?

At this time, you aren’t able to add your registered QR code to the Verify Ontario app. It’s unclear whether that will change, but you can check back for updates in the future.

Can I still use my original vaccine certificates to verify my vaccination status?

Yes, all existing forms of vaccine certificates will remain valid.

Will my QR code expire?

At this time, there are no plans for these QR codes to expire. However, this may change if COVID-19 vaccine booster shots are recommended in the future.

What if I have a medical exemption that doesn’t allow me to get vaccinated?

At this time, there’s no way to register for your enhanced vaccine certificate through the normal online registration portal. However, at the Verify Ontario announcement on October 15th, 2021, the Government of Ontario stated that there’s a plan in place to address this issue. According to officials, proof of medical exemptions can be taken to local health units, where it will go through an approval process.

Once approved, the information can be entered into the government database through the local health unit. Then, a functioning QR can be assigned, which will allow medical exempt residents of Ontario to begin accessing indoor facilities. There’s no current plan in place for when this will be fully implemented. However, officials encouraged individuals to approach their local health units with their medical exemption information to start the process.

Will QR codes from other provinces function with Verify Ontario?

Not yet, but steps are already being taken to allow QR codes from other provinces to function, such as Quebec and B.C. While there has been no timeline given for the implementation of other provincial QR codes, officials have stated that up to 75% of the Canadian population should eventually be able to use Verify Ontario.

What other features does the Verify Ontario app offer?

Verify Ontario also offers a “flashlight” feature, which adds improved lighting to the scanning process for QR codes. This is to help reduce scanning issues in low-lighting environments, such as restaurants.

Download, show, scan, and go

If you’ve been vaccinated, get your enhanced vaccine certificate to start using your QR code right away. If you haven’t gotten vaccinated, consider booking an appointment today.

It seems as though COVID-19 isn’t going away any time soon, and the pandemic certainly hasn’t been easy to navigate. But if it has taught us anything, it’s that by working together, we can help keep each other safe.

The information presented here is for educational purposes and is not meant to replace the advice from your medical professional.

When using virtual care, all medical treatment is at the sole discretion of the provider. Virtual care is not meant for medical emergencies, and your provider will determine if your case is appropriate for virtual care. If you are experiencing an emergency like chest pain or difficulties breathing, for example, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

The post Ontario’s vaccine certificate QR code: what you need to know appeared first on Maple.

What’s the difference between a COVID-19 booster and a third shot?

While some Canadians are currently receiving third doses of the vaccine, these aren’t considered boosters. Booster shots are for those whose immune systems may have weakened over time. Third shots of vaccine are for individuals who are less likely to mount a robust immune response after two doses. Guidelines differ slightly depending on which province or territory you’re in, but they mostly specify that third doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are available to the elderly, the immunocompromised, and anyone living in a congregate care setting. Evidence shows that giving a third shot of the vaccine to these populations can increase their immune response.

You might have heard that as the COVID-19 virus mutates, everyone is going to need booster shots against the latest variants. While this may be true, current data shows that even with variants of concern circulating, two doses of vaccine still offer high rates of protection against serious illness and death. In fact, a recent study in the Lancet makes clear that although antibodies may decrease over time, protection against severe disease and death remains high in the fully vaccinated. If Canada does authorize COVID-19 booster shots in the future, it’ll likely be because fully vaccinated people start getting severely ill in large numbers — either because of declining immunity or because a COVID-19 variant mutates enough that the current vaccines are no longer effective. 

Do you lose immunity to COVID-19 after a while?

Your body makes antibodies against specific germs after an illness and in response to vaccination. They’re a key part of your body’s immune system and help defend against invading viruses. After you receive your jab or recover from an illness, these antibodies remain in your blood, ready to react again if you’re re-exposed to something they’ve “seen” before. Research suggests, however, that the number of COVID-19 antibodies you have starts to decline in the months after vaccination.

Waning antibodies may seem to suggest that immunity lessens over time. Your immune system is complex, however, with different modes of protection ready to attack an invading pathogen. Antibodies may start to fade a few months after vaccination but other parts of your immune system — your B cells and T cells — still remember their exposure to the virus. These cells take a little longer to kick in than antibodies do, which can sometimes allow an opportunistic COVID-19 virus to infect you. Once they switch on, however, your B cells and T cells will stop the virus from inflicting real damage. So while breakthrough infections can happen in vaccinated individuals, their immune systems are still primed to protect them from serious illness and death. Your memory T cells are also primed and ready to recognize the virus’ spike proteins, helping to ensure your immune system won’t be fooled by viral mutations. 

Who could benefit from a third COVID-19 vaccine?

Not everyone’s immune system responds the same way after vaccination. The elderly and immunocompromised might not have a strong immune response against COVID-19 even after two full doses of vaccine. That’s why those with certain underlying medical conditions and the elderly are eligible for a third shot in Canada.

Many people living in congregate care settings have underlying medical conditions. Even residents of long-term care (LTC) who don’t, are or will soon, be eligible for third shots. Variants of concern, like the Delta variant, are more transmissible even in fully vaccinated individuals. Offering third shots to non-immunocompromised residents of group settings may increase their antibody levels. This in turn may offer better protection to their LTC neighbours whose immune systems can’t respond properly.

Will booster guidelines change?

Scientific guidance has been updating in real-time throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and new information is constantly emerging. While it looks like population-wide boosters aren’t necessary right now, it’s possible this could change. Check in regularly with your healthcare provider or your local public health unit to stay in the know. 

COVID-19 isn’t going away any time soon. Scientists predict that as life gets back to “normal,” COVID-19 will become endemic — meaning it’ll always be floating around. This likely means that sooner or later, everyone will need a booster — whether to strengthen your immune response to the current strains circulating, or a new one. In the meantime though, the current vaccines still offer great protection against severe disease, hospitalization, and death. So if you haven’t yet received both your vaccine doses, now’s a great time to book a shot.

The information presented here is for educational purposes and is not meant to replace the advice from your medical professional.

When using virtual care, all medical treatment is at the sole discretion of the provider. Virtual care is not meant for medical emergencies, and your provider will determine if your case is appropriate for virtual care. If you are experiencing an emergency like chest pain or difficulties breathing, for example, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

The post Will you be eligible for a COVID-19 booster shot in Canada? appeared first on Maple.

What’s the difference between delta and lambda?

Dubbed a “variant of concern,” the delta variant has been spreading across the globe since December 2020. Delta is the most contagious variant so far. It makes up over 83% of COVID cases in the US, and is quickly gaining ground here in Canada. One Canadian study, and another Scottish one, also show that those infected with delta are more likely to be hospitalized. 

The World Health Organization (WHO) isn’t calling lambda a variant of concern just yet. Instead, they’ve dubbed it a “variant of interest,” meaning it has mutations that likely affect both its contagiousness and severity. It’s responsible for the majority of cases in South America, though cases are turning up worldwide, including in Canada. Scientists need more data on this variant before deciding whether to upgrade it to a variant of concern or not.

How transmissible are the new variants?

The delta variant is about 60% more transmissible than the alpha variant, which is itself about 50% more contagious than the original strain of COVID-19. In addition to being more infectious, individuals with the delta variant become contagious about four days after infection — two days sooner than with the original version of COVID-19. They also have about 1000 times the viral load of an original COVID-19 infection. This makes delta incredibly difficult to stop without extensive vaccine uptake.

It’s not yet clear how transmissible the lambda variant is. While it does have a number of mutations that likely mean it spreads more easily than the original strain of COVID-19, more research is still needed.

I’m double vaccinated, should I worry about the variants?

Vaccines continue to be essential in the fight against COVID-19, and there’s no doubt that they save lives. Almost 99% of COVID-19 deaths in Canada have been among the unvaccinated, the partially vaccinated, or those who hadn’t been vaccinated long enough to achieve full protection. And since the start of the vaccination campaign in December 2020, 90% of COVID-19 cases overall have been among the unvaccinated population.

While vaccines protect against hospitalization and death, they won’t keep you completely safe from getting the delta variant. Breakthrough infections are still possible even if you’ve been double vaccinated. And when these breakthrough infections happen, research shows that vaccinated people have the same levels of virus particles in their nose and throat as unvaccinated people do. This means that although you’re more likely to experience mild symptoms, you’re just as able to spread the virus as those who don’t have their jabs yet. This is part of the reason why masks are making a comeback in the US.

Do the delta and lambda variants mean I need a booster?

There are reports that certain vaccines — like Sinovac — don’t work as well against the new variants. Luckily, Health Canada-approved vaccines are between 96% and 92% effective at preventing severe illness. Those with a single shot, however, don’t enjoy the same levels of protection. One shot of Pfizer or AstraZeneca only gives you somewhere in the range of 30% protection from severe forms of the disease, so it’s a good idea to double up. Once you’re doubly dosed, you can consider yourself adequately protected.

While some countries are offering third, “booster” shots, the World Health Organization (WHO) is pleading for them to reconsider. There is a limited supply of vaccine available. Most agree that doses should go to countries with high rates of COVID-19, and few vaccines, rather than countries like Canada, with lower rates of the virus, and high rates of vaccination. This saves lives in countries with low vaccination rates, but it’s also good for the world as a whole. Fewer vaccines mean more people for the virus to infect, and more opportunities to continue mutating. High levels of global vaccine uptake will help to prevent future COVID-19 variants — one of which might be able to evade existing vaccines.

How can I prevent COVID-19 from spreading?

There’s no question that COVID-19 vaccines work. But the new variants are more transmissible than the virus that came before them, and not everyone in Canada is eligible to get their jabs yet. Health Canada still hasn’t approved vaccines for use in children under 12, who make up almost 16% of the population. Along with the immunocompromised and the unvaccinated, these children remain vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19.

To help keep them safe, avoid crowds and poorly ventilated areas, and keep your distance when you’re indoors in larger groups. Things like grocery shopping, riding public transit, and going to the movies should all be done with a mask. COVID-19 is proving to be a resilient virus, and its new variants are a significant threat to the health of the unvaccinated. Continue to follow public health measures and encourage those close to you to do so as well. The news about the new variants is disturbing. With vaccines and public health measures, however, you can help keep yourself and those you love safe. Even if you’ve been vaccinated, you should still get tested for COVID-19 if you’ve been exposed to it. While being vaccinated protects you, it’s still possible to spread the virus to others. If you live in the Greater Toronto Area or anywhere in Nova Scotia, you can get a COVID-19 test with Maple quickly and conveniently at a location nearest you.

The information presented here is for educational purposes and is not meant to replace the advice from your medical professional.

When using virtual care, all medical treatment is at the sole discretion of the provider. Virtual care is not meant for medical emergencies, and your provider will determine if your case is appropriate for virtual care. If you are experiencing an emergency like chest pain or difficulties breathing, for example, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

The post The delta and lambda variants — what you need to know appeared first on Maple.

What is herd immunity?

Herd immunity is a type of indirect protection from a contagious disease. When enough people in a community are immune to a disease, it’s harder for that disease to spread. Once the disease can’t find any more hosts, it dies out altogether.

Herd immunity protects people who can’t get the COVID-19 vaccine for health reasons. If enough healthy people get the vaccine, the overall rate of new infections will decrease. Then, medically vulnerable people have less of a chance of being exposed to the virus.

How many people need to be immune before we reach herd immunity?

Each infectious disease has a threshold, which is the number of infected people required for a disease to spread at high rates. For a population to have herd immunity, the number of people who are immune has to be equal to or above the threshold. 

The threshold for herd immunity is different with every disease. In the case of measles, another infectious illness, it took 95% of the population being vaccinated to stop the spread. That differed from polio, where only 80% of a community needed to be vaccinated to snuff out new infections. Since COVID-19 is a new coronavirus, scientists are still learning its threshold for herd immunity.

How does herd immunity happen?

Herd immunity is achieved either by large numbers of a population catching the disease and recovering from it, or through mass vaccination. 

Becoming infected

When a harmful foreign substance like a virus or bacteria enters your body, your immune system creates antibodies. Antibodies are proteins that your immune system uses to identify, attack, and destroy the disease. Over time, the more your body is exposed to the unwanted germ, the better it gets at identifying and destroying it. Eventually your immune system is able to attack and destroy the intruder so quickly that you don’t develop any symptoms. This is called immunity. 

With COVID-19, people who have caught it and recovered now have COVID-19 antibodies in their systems. However, there’s still a lot we don’t know about the strength or duration of protection. The number of antibodies a person develops can vary. For example, someone who caught COVID-19 and developed symptoms might have more antibodies in their system than someone who was asymptomatic. We can’t be sure that everyone who contracted COVID-19 has developed enough antibodies to become immune. Scientists are still discovering the level of antibodies needed for immunity and how long those antibodies last.

Vaccination

Vaccines contain a small part of a virus, bacteria, or disease-causing organism that’s either dead or weakened. With the COVID-19 vaccine, a small amount of the virus is introduced to your system in a controlled way. It’s not strong enough to cause you to become infected. Instead, your immune system learns how to identify the virus and develop antibodies. If you’re exposed to the COVID-19 virus in the future, your immune system will know how to destroy it before it makes you sick and contagious. 

Once enough people get the COVID-19 vaccine, the number of new cases will start to decline. Once they’re so low that becoming infected is unlikely, we can look forward to taking small steps back towards our normal social habits.

How long will it take for us to develop herd immunity?

When it comes to how quickly we can reach herd immunity, there are a lot of moving parts to consider. 

Vaccine rollout

Not everyone can be vaccinated at once. Vaccine rollout will depend on vaccine availability, and will prioritize the most medically vulnerable first. 

Keeping new infection rates low

If infection rates continue to rise, it will take us longer to reach an adequate threshold of people who are immune and healthy. The fewer new cases of COVID-19 there are week to week, the faster we reach the threshold.

How many people get vaccinated

There will need to be a significant amount of Canadians willing to be vaccinated. The exact number is still unknown.

New strains of COVID-19

Several new strains of COVID-19 have been detected around the world. This isn’t unusual — viruses normally mutate. So far there isn’t cause for alarm. However the more people there are who have immunity, the less chance the virus has to mutate in unpredictable ways as it passes from one person to the next. 

The best way to help your community achieve herd immunity is by following public health guidelines. Make social distancing, mask wearing, and hand-washing part of your daily routine wherever possible. The fewer new cases there are in Canada while the vaccine is rolling out, the faster we’ll get to enjoy the benefits of herd immunity.

COVID-19 has been tough on all of us, mentally and physically. Speak to one of our doctors or therapists to get help for your individual needs. 

The information presented here is for educational purposes and is not meant to replace the advice from your medical professional.

When using virtual care, all medical treatment is at the sole discretion of the provider. Virtual care is not meant for medical emergencies, and your provider will determine if your case is appropriate for virtual care. If you are experiencing an emergency like chest pain or difficulties breathing, for example, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

The post The COVID-19 vaccine and herd immunity appeared first on Maple.

These are dangerous circumstances for anyone struggling with anxiety. The majority of Canadians report that their mental health has worsened over the course of 2020. Worse, mental healthcare options have changed due to quarantine. Your local therapist’s office might be closed, or operating on reduced hours. 

Our co-founder and CEO Dr. Brett sat down with Flare magazine to dispense his top tips for identifying and managing stress and anxiety during COVID-19. Plus, Dr. Brett gives some options for how to keep your mental health at an even keel even in this new, unpredictable normal. 

It’s understandable that stress and anxiety have mounted. In fact, it’s a good thing to embrace our feelings of nervousness and uncertainty so we can process them in a healthy way. This includes keeping up good health habits to support our overall well-being, and reaching out for professional mental health support. Virtual therapy is a great option if you want to stay safe and comfortable at home while getting heavy topics off your chest. Our registered psychotherapists are here for you when you’re ready to talk. 

The information presented here is for educational purposes and is not meant to replace the advice from your medical professional.

When using virtual care, all medical treatment is at the sole discretion of the provider. Virtual care is not meant for medical emergencies, and your provider will determine if your case is appropriate for virtual care. If you are experiencing an emergency like chest pain or difficulties breathing, for example, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

The post Flare & Maple — Dr. Brett’s tips for managing anxiety during COVID-19 appeared first on Maple.