Members of the public are being reminded to be vigilant and get tested for Covid-19 if they have any cold or flu-like symptoms even if they have completed the vaccination process.
We must remember the Covid-19 vaccination does not make us bulletproof … although the vaccine provides protection from the serious consequences of Covid-19 it is still possible to contract the virus after vaccination, Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia president Dr Michael Dray says.
Viruses such as the common cold (rhinovirus) and influenza have symptoms which are similar to Covid, Dray said.
Australia and New Zealand are in an enviable position, however, as we have seen with the recent outbreaks, we are still at risk and now is not the time to become complacent.
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Ongoing testing and surveillance will remain critical as we enter these winter months, when conditions may favour the spread of the virus.”
Dray said it was important that everyone remains aware that what could seem to be normal winter sniffles might actually be Covid-19.
“If anyone suspects that their flu-like symptoms could actually something more serious, it is vital that they get tested immediately and remain isolated until they return a negative result. The days of soldiering on have gone, he said.
Without a test there was no way of telling the two viruses apart.
He said the vaccine needed to be supplemented by continued good hygiene practices, physical distancing, and understanding how to isolate if required.
South Canterbury District Health Board infection prevention control nurse Angie Foster that Covid-19 tests are free for New Zealanders and “people should remain at home if they are acutely unwell, regardless of the Covid-19 test results.”