rapid test omicron isolate symptoms

A reminder to isolate if you have symptoms — even with a negative rapid test result

Omicron is significantly more infectious and not as easily detected by rapid tests as other variants.

Medical microbiologist and infectious disease consultant Dr. Alex Carignan has issued a reminder to Quebecers to isolate if you have COVID-19 symptoms, even if you have a negative rapid test result.

Dr. Carignan shared an experience that got “very ugly” with a patient who became frustrated after having a negative rapid test result, followed by a positive PCR test. Earlier that morning, the patient was suffering from a headache and severe cough.

“That’s why when you have symptoms, you must isolate, even with a negative rapid test.”

—Alex Carignan

Multiple early studies (and surging infection rates around the world suggest that Omicron is significantly more transmissible than than previous variants of COVID-19. According to the FDA, rapid tests have “reduced sensitivity” to the Omicron variant, resulting in more false negatives. The wise and socially responsible move is to listen to Dr. Carignan’s advice and isolate if you have symptoms.

A reminder to isolate if you have symptoms — even with a negative rapid test result

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