The diagnostic wave of the future isn't as far away as we might think.
CK Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Colby said he believes there will be a new way of testing available in time for the 2020 flu season, which will be able to detect 20 of the most common respiratory infections and illnesses, including COVID-19.
Colby said that testing will serve sick people well who aren't sure if they have the flu or the coronavirus. He added that the testing, called real-time multiplex testing, will simultaneously test people with symptoms such as sore throats, cough, and fever to determine what they have.
The American Society of Microbiology has reported that real-time testing offers "significant advantages" due to its high sensitivity and rapid turnaround time, as well as processing large numbers of specimens at the same time, while significantly reducing the cost.
Colby said special emphasis will be put on trying to get everybody vaccinated against the flu this year. He said he's hopeful a COVID-19 vaccine will be available by the end of the year. Colby also pointed out influenza cases really dropped off when the pandemic hit.
Colby said right now the COVID-19 test is a stand-alone test.
"I suspect the COVID test will be incorporated into the multiplex panels in time for the respiratory virus season," Colby said.
Colby said he advises people to get tested, stay home, and wait for the results if they have any concerns about their illness.
Chatham-Kent Health Alliance CEO Lori Marshall said the assessment centre will also continue at the Chatham hospital during flu season and beyond. However, mobile testing will come to an end soon with fall approaching. She said Ontario Health is also looking at how to best continue with assessment centres across the province during the colder weather.
Colby said physical distancing works extremely well to prevent all respiratory infections including COVID-19. He added the province also keeps tabs on all the trends around Ontario by keeping track of laboratory results.
