Rapid antigen tests (RAT) or Rapid Point of Care Testing (POCT) tests should always be used when you develop symptoms.  

A negative test result with symptoms of COVID-19 can still be COVID-19. This is because the virus takes time to build up in your body so that there’s enough to detect with at-home testing. If you have symptoms but test negative, you should take another test after 48 hours.  

A positive rapid test result means you have COVID-19. 

Many viral respiratory infections have similar symptoms. Confirming a COVID-19 infection is important because: 

• You may be eligible for anti-viral medication. 
• Infections can affect the scheduling of your regular boosters. 
• Your history of COVID-19 infection is important for diagnosing potential post-COVID-19 conditions, or “long covid” 

Did you know that you don’t need to be sick to pick up a rapid test kit? Kits are free from NB Lung and GNB, so get them now before you feel sick!  

If you have urgent questions about COVID-19 please contact your health care provider, or call 811. 

Most people will feel better within a few weeks of catching COVID-19, but some symptoms can last up to 12 weeks. If you have symptoms that last longer, or new health problems that develop after having had COVID-19, you might have a Post COVID-19 Condition (commonly known as “long covid”). Long covid impacts various organ systems across the whole body and can include: 

• Heart, lung, and blood problems  
• Brain problems 
• Stomach issues 
• Joint and muscle pains 
• Nose and throat problems 
• Mental Health changes 

Some long covid problems like chest pain, difficulty breathing, and blood clots can become life-threatening, so it’s important to contact your doctor if you’ve had COVID-19 and notice any new or lasting symptoms.  

For up-to-date information, please see Health Canada. 

There are a lot of misconceptions about the flu.  

Myth: The flu shot will give you the flu. 

Fact: Viruses cause flu, not vaccines. It takes about two weeks to build up protection, and some mild symptoms are a normal sign that your body is strengthening its defenses. Because immunity goes down over time, a yearly flu vaccine is the most effective way to reduce your risk. 

Myth: Healthy people don’t need vaccines.  

Fact: Influenza is a leading cause of pneumonia. Within days of infection, your risk of stroke increases up to 8 times, and heart attack risk increases up to 10 times. One infected person can spread the virus to dozens or even hundreds more BEFORE becoming symptomatic. Almost half of all Canadians 50+ have at least one high-risk condition which increases death from flu; without the flu shot, you could expose them before knowing you’re sick.  

Myth: The flu vaccination is all you need to do to protect yourself from the flu.  

Fact: Flu cases were almost eradicated in Canada while anti-COVID-19 restrictions were in effect. We’re already used to these actions – and should maintain them – especially when around high-risk people. Avoid contact with people who have the flu, wash your hands frequently, and consider taking anti-viral medications if you were exposed to the flu before being vaccinated. In public places, a well-fitted mask gives an extra layer of protection. If you have symptoms, stay home! 

Why are flu shots annual when some other vaccines are given only once, or every 10 years?  

Vaccines work by training your immune system to recognize a disease, without you getting sick first. There are so many strains of influenza, it’s impossible to protect against them all. Instead, the annual vaccine is developed based on research into which variants are likely to be most dominant each year. This means that the flu vaccine is constantly changing!  

Canadian infectious disease and public health experts recommend the publicly funded high dose shot for seniors 65+ and recognize several vaccines for children and younger adults. Depending on your health and risk factors, you’ll receive either the basic vaccine, or the high dose. 

Who should get a flu shot? 

All New Brunswickers from the age of 6 months+ are encouraged to get vaccinated, but it is especially important for people at high risk of influenza-related complications (and for those who care for them!).

Talk to your healthcare provider about your underlying or chronic conditions and any medications you take, so they can help you determine which options are best for you.  

Find an influenza vaccine provider near you.

Remember, a flu vaccine is the best way to prevent seasonal flu illness. Everyone 6 months and older who CAN get a flu vaccine SHOULD get a flu vaccine every year.

Having RSV can lower immunity and increase the risk of getting COVID-19 — for kids and adults. RSV and COVID-19 infections may occur together, which can worsen the severity of COVID-19 illness. 

If you have symptoms of a respiratory illness, you should test for COVID-19. 

Infants are most severely affected by RSV. Signs of severe RSV infection in infants to look out for include: 

• Short, shallow and rapid breathing 
• Struggling to breathe — chest muscles and skin pull inward with each breath. 
• Bluish color of the skin due to lack of oxygen (cyanosis) 
• Poor feeding 
• Unusual tiredness (lethargy) 

Seek immediate medical attention if your child — or anyone at risk of severe RSV infection — has difficulty breathing, a high fever, or a blue color to the skin, particularly on the lips and in the nail beds. 

Health Canada has approved new antibody treatments to neutralise RSV for infants, but the best way to protect young babies from RSV is while they’re still in the womb. Maternal vaccination has been shown to pass immunity by passing antibodies through the placenta, so if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you should speak to your healthcare provider about your vaccination options.