Dr Gandhi on border crossing, PCR testing and flu vaccine

Barrie, Ont. –

Fully vaccinated Canadians can now cross the land border between the United States and Canada with proof of a negative PCR test 72 hours before returning.

Former Ontario Medical Association (OMA) President Dr Sohail Gandhi said the effectiveness of the test provides the most accurate result, helping to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

“The PCR test continues to be the gold standard for testing,” said Dr Gandhi. “It looks for a lower amount of COVID-19 virus that is in your system and therefore can detect low-level cases of COVID-19. “

Dr Gandhi has informed many of his snowbird patients that crossing the border now comes at additional expense.

A PCR test can range from $ 150 to $ 300.

INCREASING COVID-19 CASES

The reopening of borders comes as COVID-19 cases increase across the province.

The seven-day average of daily infections now stands at around 476, up from 371 the week before.

In Simcoe Muskoka, the health unit reported its highest number of COVID-19 cases on weekends in six months, with 102 infections.

According to Dr Gandhi, there are currently 127 patients admitted to intensive care units with COVID-19, which the former OMA president says is relatively low.

“I think we are seeing a number of people who have been fully immune contracting low-level cases of COVID. It doesn’t matter because what we are seeing is that they don’t end up there. hospital, and our healthcare system is not being [overwhelmed]”says Dr Gandhi.

INFLUENZA and THIRD DOSE

For many, November means the time to get the flu shot, but this year, with the COVID-19 booster vaccines becoming available at the same time, there are questions about whether it is safe to overlap the two. .

According to Dr Gandhi, it is safe to mix the two vaccines. He adds that many have been mixing vaccines since childhood.

“The first injection a child receives at two months of age is something called DPTP, and has tetanus, diphtheria, polio and pertussis in one injection,” concludes Dr Gandhi.