Rapid tests can be used for added protection over holidays, but experts warn they aren't perfect

As concerns over the spread of the new Omicron COVID-19 variant seep into Canadians' holiday plans, experts say rapid tests could be used to help protect those looking to get together with friends and family. However, they warn that the tests aren't perfect.

"Omicron, if not now, very shortly will be the dominant strain in Canada," Mohan said. "So if you want to be extra cautious taking a rapid test prior to the event to ensure that you know you are not transmitting the virus to anyone that's there, I think that's a good idea." Dr. Fahad Razak, a member of the Ontario Science Table and an internal medicine physician at St. Michaels Hospital in Toronto, told CTV News Channel thatat this point in the pandemic as more transmissible variants continue to emerge.

Razak said the accuracy of the rapid antigen tests depends on the characteristic of the virus and explained that as the virus becomes more infectious, the tests actually work better. "It's not perfect and no one should assume that, especially with rapid tests, that a single negative test means that it's absolutely impossible that you have an infection and could be contagious," Oughton said in a telephone interview with CTVNews.ca on Monday.

"With Omicron, that means that you can't rely on a negative test that is old," Oughton said. "So If you're going to some sort of get together, then it really makes sense to do that rapid test very soon before that gathering happens."

Pregnant or not?

Do you pee on them

The experts aren’t perfect either !

Better than nothing at all!! If it can help to prevent, why not using them? Should have been available a long time ago!!

Nothing is perfect.

They are better than nothing.

I'm very nervous about COVID for Christmas, please advise if I should stick with vaccinating my Turkey..

stopfearmongering

nothing is perfect, but something is always better than nothing.

End the madness.

Health Health Latest News, Health Health Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

COVID-19 in B.C.: Calls for greater access to booster shots, rapid testing ahead of the holidaysSome medical experts are calling for greater access to COVID-19 booster shots and rapid antigen tests to offer B.C. residents greater protection this holiday season. I don’t understand how the self righteous pro vaccine/pro mask worshipers can still be part of this cult! When will people open their eyes? Not a booster. A third shot. Jeeeeez. Nothing about washing your hands huh…
Source: CTVNews - 🏆 1. / 99 Read more »

COVID-19 in B.C.: Calls for greater access to booster shots, rapid testing ahead of the holidaysSome medical experts are calling for greater access to COVID-19 booster shots and rapid antigen tests to offer B.C. residents greater protection this holiday season. I don’t understand how the self righteous pro vaccine/pro mask worshipers can still be part of this cult! When will people open their eyes? Not a booster. A third shot. Jeeeeez. Nothing about washing your hands huh…
Source: CTVNews - 🏆 1. / 99 Read more »

Omicron on track to become the dominant variantOmicron now represents 21 per cent of all new cases of COVID-19. Public health experts express serious concern over its rapid growth. Their agenda for boosters….1 new case! Oh ok! Vaccines work, masks work, lockdowns work.🤡 Bullshit. Good! It’s mild, move along
Source: CTVNews - 🏆 1. / 99 Read more »