Fahad Razak @DrFahadRazak Twitter profile

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

2 years

Long awaited StatsCan survey-based data on Long COVID • 1.4 million Canadians with symptoms extending 3 months • Most common symptom fatigue, breathlessness and ‘brian fog’ among ~1/3 of all people with long COVID 1/2

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

2 years

Proud of @UnityHealthTO for keeping our patients and staff safe by mandating vaccines. ~2% of our staff and < 5 of our 850 doctors are now on leave. I am sad to see anyone go but this is a science-based and just policy. @OntHospitalAssn @COVIDSciOntario

Unity Health has placed 171 employees on unpaid leave of absence for not complying with vaccine...

At least 171 staff members at a Toronto hospital network have been placed on an unpaid leave of absence after failing to comply with a mandatory vaccination policy.

www.cp24.com

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

2 years

Outstanding oped from ⁦ @mustafahirji ⁩ Any attempt to “live with COVID” requires the structural (enhanced ventilation, air sterilization, etc) and cultural adaptations (staying home when sick, mask usage, etc) required to combat an airborne illness

Opinion: We can reduce the threat of COVID-19 without more lockdowns

Many infections that historically afflicted us heavily in Canada are uncommon today. They were defeated by adapting our society

www.theglobeandmail.com

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

2 years

Honoured to be the new Scientific Director of @COVIDSciOntario . Harnessing science to inform our response to the pandemic has been a great privilege. Thank you to all the scientists on the Table who I have learned so much from, and the hundreds of hours they have volunteered. 1/2

Public Health ON

@PublicHealthON

2 years

Effective May 9, 2022, Dr. Fahad Razak will become the new Scientific Director for the Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table.

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

3 years

I’m on one of St Michael’s NON COVID medical teams and 2/2 of our admissions yesterday are COVID POSITIVE! Even knowing the high case numbers this was a wake up call. It’s everywhere. To my fellow healthcare staff - assume every patient we see may have it and be careful!

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

1 year

COVID wastewater signal now rising overall in Ontario and in all sub-regions - This is the first time this has occurred since late December. This is consistent with the XBB.1.5 surge we are experiencing (44% of all cases). 1/2

Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

1 year

XBB.1.5 now 44% of all new infections - we continue to follow US course. Standard PHM apply: keep vaccines up to date, high quality masks in indoor crowded settings, focus on air quality, etc. 1/3

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

2 years

My statement on dissolution of the Science Table:

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

2 years

4th dose protection against symptomatic infection wanes within 6-8 weeks (remains strong against serious infection). We are in the midst of an enormous surge in cases. Vaccines are critical but not sufficient – need public health measures like masks.

Protection by a Fourth Dose of BNT162b2 against Omicron in Israel | NEJM

On January 2, 2022, Israel began administering a fourth dose of BNT162b2 vaccine to persons 60 years of age or older. Data are needed regarding the effect of the fourth dose on rates of confirmed s...

www.nejm.org

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

1 year

Scientific studies now robustly support the effectiveness of mask mandates in schools. They will reduce infections in kids and staff, and importantly reduce student sick leave which most negatively effects marginalized children and widens disparities.

Lifting Universal Masking in Schools — Covid-19 Incidence among Students and Staff | NEJM

In February 2022, Massachusetts rescinded a statewide universal masking policy in public schools, and many Massachusetts school districts lifted masking requirements during the subsequent weeks. In...

www.nejm.org

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

2 years

• This condition will have major and likely long lasting impact on family life, work and school, and the health system. • Canada needs a plan that matches the scope of problem. • See the Science Table brief on Long COVID for more details:

Understanding the Post COVID-19 Condition (Long COVID) in Adults and the Expected Burden for...

The post COVID-19 condition is a complex and heterogeneous syndrome that develops in people with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. More than 100 symptoms have been reported in people with the post COVID-19...

covid19-sciencetable.ca

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

2 years

@cdavidnaylor , ArtSlutsky and I were troubled by the misleading OpEd on the COVID-19 pandemic by Norman Doidge. Also see criticism many from others: @ninan_abraham1 @ASPphysician @DFisman @CaulfieldTim @angie_rasmussen et al. Our response: 1/12

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

2 years

@DFisman @cdavidnaylor Thank you David. The critical early recognition of aerosolized transmission and high degree of mask use and compliance in Japan must be recognized.

COVID lessons from Japan: the right messaging empowers citizens

Nature - There’s no perfect solution to suppress the pandemic, but careful study and communication are key.

www.nature.com

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

1 year

The XBB.1.5 surge has arrived in Canada, now representing ~20% of all infections in Ontario (was ~2% at end of Dec). The US trajectory suggests this will be associated with a moderate rise in COVID hospitalizations. Local modelling would be very helpful to quantify this. 1/3

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

1 year

Appreciated the chance to speak to @namshine on @TheAgenda - as parents, we share the concerns of so many across the country. There are only limited options that will work quickly enough to reduce this viral surge: public health measures + vaccination are essential. @rodlim00

TVO Today | The Agenda

@TheAgenda

1 year

This week, doctors and children’s hospitals across Ontario sounded the alarm that this was going to be no ordinary flu season. Tonight at 8/11 p.m. ET, @DrFahadRazak ( @UnityHealthTO ) and @rodlim00 ( @LHSCCanada ) tell @Namshine why so many kids are sick. Producer: @PreetiBhuyan

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

2 years

The pandemic is not over. Infections still matter. This winter may prove difficult with even a modest COVID and flu wave given our severely strained health system. Transparent and timely data, vaccination, and public health measures like high quality masks are essential.

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

1 year

Public health measures can effectively reduce childhood flu cases. Typically 1500 children are hospitalized in Canada each year, but in 2020-2021 there remarkably were zero hospitalizations:

The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on influenza-related hospitalization, intensive care admission...

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in unprecedented implementation of wide-ranging public health measures globally. During the pandemic, dramatic decreases in seasonal influenza virus detection have been...

www.thelancet.com

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

3 years

I am working on the wards right now and these are scary times in the hospital - we are seeing a variant of concern (VOC) driven surge in younger and sicker patients admitted with COVID. Our @COVIDSciOntario brief. @AshTuite @DFisman

COVID-19 Hospitalizations, ICU Admissions and Deaths Associated with the New Variants of Concern -...

New variants of concern (VOCs) now account for 67% of all Ontario SARS-CoV-2 infections. Compared with early variants of SARS-CoV-2, VOCs are associated with a 63% increased risk of hospitalization,...

covid19-sciencetable.ca

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

3 years

The very opposite of vaccine hesitancy! This is great to see as Ontario ramps up its vaccine delivery. Let’s set ambitious targets and get the vaccine out to the people.

TNO-THE NEIGHBOURHOOD ORGANIZATION

@TNOtoronto

3 years

Massive turn out for our pop up Vaccine Clinic in #ThorncliffePark today. The power or residents and community partners looking out for each other 🙏 @ETHPnews @MGHToronto @HealthAccessTp @fhc_chc

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

2 years

Our healthcare crisis making international news. It is essential we take all necessary steps to control the pandemic to keep our system health system functioning over the fall winter. @cdavidnaylor @KatharineSmart @AlikaMD @ArthurSlutsky 1/3

‘Disaster Mode’: Emergency Rooms Across Canada Close Amid Crisis (Published 2022)

A nationwide shortage of nurses has caused dozens of emergency rooms across Canada to close temporarily and forced some patients to wait days for a bed.

www.nytimes.com

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

1 year

Waste water signal rise after a couple weeks of decline. Mixed findings by sub-region. We should keep a eye on this and the next %positivity result over the week ahead. Highlights the elevated baseline we have been sitting at since Omicron’s emergence. 1/2

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

3 years

So communication from NACI uses anecdote and we have @EvanLSolomon arguing the population perspective. I'm a bit speechless. We are in the Twilight Zone phase of the pandemic.

Mackenzie Gray

@Gray_Mackenzie

3 years

"If for instance my sister got the AZ vaccine and died of a thrombosis when I know it could have been prevented and that she is not in a high risk area, I'm not sure I could live with it" - Dr. Quach, from NACI with @EvanLSolomon on @CTV_PowerPlay

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

3 years

Our new @COVIDSciOntario brief on the Post COVID-19 Condition (PCC, "Long COVID") The science around this is incomplete, but probably ~10% of people who are infected will develop the PCC - Symptoms that last beyond initial infection for weeks to months. 🧵

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

1 year

As expected, XBB.1.5 (36%) overcame BQ.1.1 (25%) as most prevalent lineage this week in Ontario - we continue to follow the US trajectory. Standard PHM apply: keep your vaccines up to date, masks in crowded indoor settings, focus on air quality, etc

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

2 years

Thank you to Peter Juni for his incredible leadership and to @SteiniBrown and Brian Schwartz for their wisdom guiding us through countless challenges. As we push through the next phase of the pandemic, I hope that science will continue to help us determine the best way forward.

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

3 years

This is the kind of Op-Ed you never want to write - Ideally Canada would have abundant vaccine supply. That is not our current reality. @skepticalIDdoc @TorontoStar

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

2 years

As our final work, @COVIDSciOntario , today released a 3-part brief on primary care and the pandemic. Much of the burden of COVID-19 care will fall on primary care in the months and years to come, especially vaccination, early outpatient treatment and long COVID care. 1/5

COVIDScienceOntario

@COVIDSciOntario

2 years

[1/20]: The Science Table completes its work this week. As our final work we are releasing our largest brief, a focus on the core of all health systems: primary care.

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

3 years

@mustafahirji What a beautifully balanced and thoughtful thread - especially in light of what must have been an incredibly tough day for you. A lot to learn from how you have responded.

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

3 years

Shocked and saddened by this news. I see a Canadian family killed by hate. I see a family that looks like my own.

Family of pedestrians killed in intentional anti-Muslim attack: London police

lfpress.com

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

1 year

Given the significant pressures we face in pediatric acute care, ⁦⁦ @sickkids ⁩ supports a mask mandate. Pls do your part by wearing masks in public settings + get your COVID and flu vaccines . ⁦🙏 @ronald_cohn ⁩ for your leadership.

Head of SickKids says he supports reinstating mask mandate to ease ‘unprecedented’ hospital...

The head of Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children says he is in favour of bringing back mandatory masking to alleviate pressure on pediatric hospitals across the province.

www.cp24.com

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

1 year

Time-limited mask requirements in crowded essential settings (e.g. transit, grocery stores, etc.) are a key part of the response. With clear explanation, Canadians will accept these actions to protect our healthcare system: @Megan_Ogilvie @KenyonWallace

Here’s how Ontarians feel about a return to COVID-19 mask mandates

Nearly three-quarters of respondents in Forum Research poll say they would follow masking requirements should the Ford government bring them back.

www.thestar.com

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

3 years

Family & caregivers are the core of proving the best medical care. Our ⁦ @globeandmail ⁩ oped argues that available science does not show hospital visitors are an important mechanism of COVID spread. But lots of evidence for harm with restrictions 1/n

Opinion: The best available science supports allowing family and caregivers into hospitals, not...

Well-intentioned but overly restrictive hospital-visitation policies goes against the reams of research suggesting the importance of loved ones in patient care

www.theglobeandmail.com

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

2 years

Wonderful profile of ⁦ @AlikaMD ⁩. Along with ⁦ @KatharineSmart ⁩ we have been so fortune these past two years for clear-eyed, tough and honest leadership through this crisis. ⁦ @carlyweeks ⁩ ⁦ @CMA_Docs ⁩

Meet the doctor on a mission to fix Canada’s health care crisis

Anesthesiologist Alika Lafontaine is the new president of the Canadian Medical Association and his mission is to convince policymakers that now is time to make substantive changes to health care

www.theglobeandmail.com

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

2 years

An extraordinary paper on MS demonstrating overwhelming association with EBV infection. A rigorous comparator design showing no effect with other viral infections. Thinking tonight of my mom who has struggled with this terrible disease for 40 years.

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

3 years

Our op-ed on the role of generalist care in Canada's hospitals. Driven by demographic trends (aging population + rising multi-morbidity) and shifting models of care delivery (50%⬆️in admissions to general medical wards over last decade). 1/4 @AmolAVerma

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

3 years

The Path Out of the Pandemic - A Canada Day Re-Opening. 🎇🎆 🍁 @cdavidnaylor + Art Slutsky - Our @GlobeDebate Op Ed Let's be ambitious. Let's commit to a July 1st reopening. The example of the UK and Canada's own modelling tell us this is possible.

Opinion: Can we follow the British model to tame the virus by Canada Day?

Britain’s agile and effective response to their most recent COVID-19 surge represents the best example for Canadians in this dark hour

www.theglobeandmail.com

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

1 year

Canada needs a clear strategy and infrastructure to address long COVID - this starts with recognition and management of this condition by clinicians. Our 3 part @CMAJ series on diagnosis, assessment and treatment of long COVID. @kieranlquinn @AngelaMCheung 1/5

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

2 years

*brain fog not ‘Brian’

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

1 year

I’m glad to see funding directly tied to protecting our public system. We can expand capacity, and address wait times and backlogs, while still keeping to our principles.

Ottawa warns provinces of health care funding cuts if fees for medically necessary services continue

Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos is ‘very concerned’ about the emergence of new out-of-pocket fees for using virtual or telehealth platforms to access health services

www.theglobeandmail.com

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

2 years

@DFisman thank you David! Was struck by some of the new research on potential risk. We are making some scientific headway now but in the meanwhile must keep cases as low as possible to reduce both short and long-term suffering.

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

1 year

Take steps to protect yourself and our strained healthcare system: high quality masks in crowded indoor settings, avoiding gatherings when sick, improving air-quality, etc. Bivalent vaccines likely protective - but most eligible Canadians not up to date, now is the time! 2/3

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

3 years

I am delighted to see @LynnGuerriero named CEO of Niagara Health. An incredibly smart, dedicated and moral person who will provide crucial leadership in this challenging time.

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

3 years

However, the 4-month delay should make exceptions for groups like the immuno-compromised or the elderly who may not mount a robust immune response to just one dose. This is an emerging science:

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

2 years

Got to visit one afternoon last week with Rob. On the way out he told me this article was coming and said: “Jill, she can !$&! write!” Classic Sarge line :) Thank you Rob and thank you ⁦ @JillianHortonMD ⁩ for this beautiful piece.

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

6 years

The 'mean' is becoming less meaningful as populations pull apart! Population health reporting must routinely include measures of spread and inequality.

The BMJ

@bmj_latest

6 years

New study places a critical lens on how growing inequalities and distributional changes affect population health and the relation of mean to deviance

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

3 years

As someone with young children (and one starting in kindergarten in a month) I’ve been looking closely at the US for insight about the impact of a Delta wave on kids. This is worrying - more kids hospitalized now than at any point in the pandemic.

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

3 years

⁦ @CP24 ⁩ this headline will increase vaccine hesitancy at the very moment Ontario broke 3000+ cases for 2 straight days with already overflowing hospitals. ~ 18,099,970 vaccinated with AZ in the UK with no clots and they continue to recommend it’s use. That’s the headline!

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

2 years

Structural and human-resource challenges decades in the making will take years to address - We must double down on simple public health measures that can keep our health care system working. With: @cdavidnaylor @KatharineSmart @AlikaMD @ArthurSlutsky

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

1 year

Continued decline of COVID wastewater signal overall in Ontario and in most regions. Along with a decline in % positivity in COVID testing, this is suggestive the XBB.1.5 wave is receding. Hope this trend continues.

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

3 years

Out article in @CMAJ led by ⁦ @laveenamunshi ⁩ with ⁦ @skepticalIDdoc ⁩ . Main argument: The best available science suggests we should relax visitor restrictions to hospital during the COVID pandemic. It’s also the humane thing to do. 1/n

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

1 year

Good to see overall waste water signal decreasing provincially (and in most sub regions) despite continued rise in XBB.1.5 prevalence. Hope this trend continues.

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

2 years

Important thread from one of Ontario’s largest hospital networks that gives a thoughtful description of the multiple factors driving the crisis in hospitals. There’s no doubt that COVID has made this much worse, but important to note it is layering onto many pre-existing factors.

Hamilton Health Sciences

@HamHealthSci

2 years

🧵To our community: Our hospitals are under immense pressure. Severe staffing shortages, high demand for hospital services, and the arrival of the 7th COVID wave are burdening our teams. These are the highlights. For more details, visit our website. 1/15

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

2 years

See this excellent response as well to Doidge's article: Thank you to @GlobeDebate , @Natasha_Hassan1 and @itsmarkmedley for opportunity to respond 12/12

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

3 years

The Third Wave of COVID-19 is the greatest healthcare crisis Canada has faced. Our @GlobeDebate OpEd. Its a consequential statement I would never feel comfortable making without the deep experience and knowledge of @cdavidnaylor and Art Slutsky. 1/n

Opinion: Our actions can help pull Canada’s health care system back from the brink

The behaviour of individuals is critical as our country faces its most serious health care crisis ever

www.theglobeandmail.com

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

2 years

There is a crisis in Canadian hospitals as respiratory viruses surge. And its only early November. This data driven analysis by @CBCQueensPark captures the breadth of dysfunction. Mask mandates in essential crowded indoor settings like transit and grocery stores are needed now.

Mike Crawley

@CBCQueensPark

2 years

You've heard reports of large numbers of children showing up at certain hospital ERs with respiratory infections. This is the first news story to reveal Ontario-wide data showing the full extent of the problem.

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

1 year

For example, are most people aware we have reached the point where our leading pediatric hospitals are deferring surgeries? @SickKidsNews @ronald_cohn

The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids)

@SickKidsNews

1 year

SickKids is reducing surgeries to preserve critical care capacity. Please see our full statement on updates to our clinical operations:

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

1 year

After months of smaller surges in omicron variants, XBB.1.5 has emerged as the clear dominant variant with US prevalence doubling to >40% in the last week - likely that Canada follows this pattern shortly. We know it outcompetes prior variants, severity/immune escape TBD. 1/5

CDC

@CDCgov

1 year

New data show the #COVID19 variant #XBB .1.5 is projected to make up 40.5% of COVID-19 cases nationally. See thread below for what we currently know and on what you can do to protect yourself. See COVID Data Tracker:

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

1 year

The XBB.1.5 surge in the US resulted in a moderate rise in COVID hospitalizations. We should try and mitigate against this using established PHM such as a well fitted high quality masks in indoor crowded settings, getting vaccination up to date, improving indoor air quality, etc.

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

3 years

@DFisman There are still lots people alive still who can talk about this time. My father had smallpox and will forever have the scars to prove it. As was the practice then in India - he was left in a room with a nurse who had survived smallpox as his only contact and caregiver.

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

1 year

Promising RCT of metformin to prevent long COVID. Awaiting peer reviewed publication for full evaluation. See excellent summary from @GidMK

Health Nerd

@GidMK

1 year

Really interesting results from COVID-OUT looking at Long COVID. In this RCT: - 10.6% of placebo control got Long COVID - Metformin reduced this to 6.3% - Ivermectin and fluvoxamine had no impact on Long COVID

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

3 years

Outstanding article by ⁦ @ErinAnderssen ⁩ on Long COVID. It can be severe and disabling, even if you are young and healthy before infection. We have no treatment for Long COVID but it’s nearly completely preventable by vaccination. Get vaccinated!

‘Long COVID’ is painful, expensive – and so far, impossible to cure

COVID-19 vaccinations greatly reduce the risk of lasting respiratory and mental-health problems, but for many patients who got sick early in the pandemic, it’s too late. A difficult journey lies...

www.theglobeandmail.com

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

1 year

Thank you @UofT for this team award to the hundreds of individuals who volunteered their time working with @COVIDSciOntario . Importantly, this award also recognizes the principles that guided us: interdisciplinarity, transparency, and a focus on equity.

University of Toronto

@UofT

1 year

President’s Impact Awards recognize far-reaching contributions of #UofT researchers 🏆

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

2 years

We still have much to do to combat the pandemic. But consider that Spanish Influenza death rate was ~10-15x higher than today – vaccines, treatment and public health measures are part of what allowed these enormous strides. As is remarkable solidarity by the public. 11/12

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

3 years

The UK is a major user of the AZ vaccine (18 million doses given) and has updated its estimate to ~1 in 400,000 for the most feared complication of cerebral venous clots. This is a very rare event. Canadians should take the first vaccine offered 1/2

Britain recommends continued use of all vaccines after reports of 30 cases of blood clots linked to...

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency says 18.1 million Britons have received the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine

www.theglobeandmail.com

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

1 year

Congratulations to ⁦ @AndreasLaupacis ⁩ on being appointed to the Order of Canada. A dear friend and mentor who has guided so many of us over the years and made a huge impact on healthcare.

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

3 years

Thanks @ToddCTV for having me on @CTVNews . We are looking at a very tough few weeks in hospitals - little that can change that now. Lets shorten the time to the peak: Please take whatever steps you can to reduce spread + the first vaccine you are offered!

videoPlayer

www.ctvnews.ca

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

3 years

An extremely difficult topic but grateful to @COVIDSciOntario @ASPphysician @MPaiMD for helping physicians + the health system with the difficult process of rationing Tocilizumab. Lets use our supply of this critical C19 treatment as fairly as possible.

Strategies to Manage Tocilizumab Supply During the COVID-19 Pandemic - Ontario COVID-19 Science...

Tocilizumab is an anti-inflammatory medication that acts by inhibiting interleukin-6 (IL-6) and is shown to improve outcomes including mortality in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 requiring...

covid19-sciencetable.ca

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

2 years

Claim 2: We have not tried to repurpose existing drugs In fact, most current therapeutics are repurposed: dex, baricitinib, tocilizumab, remdesivir, heparin, budesonide, and fluvoxamine. Many other repurposed drugs were tested but don’t work, eg. ivermectin, lopinavir, etc 4/12

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

1 year

Improving air quality makes sense not just for COVID, but for other respiratory viruses and human health – this is an investment that will help us in the short term and in the future.

Board of health calls for Ontario to upgrade to building code ventilation standards

The Peterborough Board of Health calls for at least six air exchanges per hour and the use of HEPA filters or filters with a MERV 13 rating in HVAC systems

www.theglobeandmail.com

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

1 year

This must start with clear, strong and persistent communication to the public about the extent of the crisis to provide rationale for these steps. @BogochIsaac

Bogoch calls for communication on masking

Dr. Isaac Bogoch says there needs to be effective communication about why mask wearing is important right now.

www.cp24.com

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

1 year

Are most people aware of the desperate situation many parents and children are in as medication shortages compound this surge and a further backlog in care occurs? @onthebeat1

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

1 year

@BrooksFallis Very sorry to hear this Brooks. I agree there is an important gap in clinical and support structures for this important condition impacting so many Canadians and their families. This has to be a priority to address.

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

2 years

Claim 3: Our faith in vaccines was misplaced The latest data from @COVIDSciOntario shows 2-dose vaccines reduce the risks of hospitalization by >80% and ICU >90% There is even stronger protection with three doses. These have always been the most important outcomes. 5/12

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

2 years

In the 1st wave we could only offer oxygen and supportive care. Now @COVIDSciOntario recommends 10 therapeutics agents. This is the fastest development of treatment for a new disease we have ever seen in our careers. 3/12

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

2 years

There is a decline in vaccine effectiveness against symptomatic illness, but this was never the primary objective of vaccination. The natural immunity approach Doidge advocates may have gotten us to the same endpoint, but with a lot more deaths and Long-COVID along the way. 6/12

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

2 years

Claim 5: Medical Boards Are Suppressing Speech The legal responsibility of boards is to ensure safety. Example: @cpso_ca investigating doctors accused of providing false vaccine exemptions. The production of allegedly falsified medical documentation is NOT free speech. 8/12

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

1 year

A landmark moment, recognizing how much we have achieved as a society, in healthcare, and in research advances to overcome this disease. At the same time, I hope the nuances of this message are not lost. There is significant ongoing damage from COVID that we can & must contain.

Kai Kupferschmidt

@kakape

1 year

The @WHO has just declared an end to the #COVID19 public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). "I declare COVID-19 over as a global health emergency", says @DrTedros at press conference going on now.

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

2 years

Spoke to @RosieBarton re: BA5 & vaccination. 1) ~40% of adults have not received a 3rd dose. It provides significant protection – now is the time. 2) If you are 60+ or immunocompromised, 4th doses are helpful. But for everyone else, speak to your doctor.

A look at the summer wave of COVID-19 | The Current with Matt Galloway | Live Radio | CBC Listen

Ontario has officially entered its seventh wave of COVID-19, driven this time by the Omicron BA.5 subvariant. Guest host Rosemary Barton discusses this new wave with Dr. Fahad Razak, the head of...

www.cbc.ca

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

3 years

‘These are days of miracle and wonder...’ thanks ⁦⁦ @PaulSimonMusic ⁩ for capturing the hope I feel (along with dread at the tough months to come) as I get the #CovidVaccine . Will show this photo to my kids when they are older. Proud to be a scientist today!

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

2 years

With already severe shortages in healthcare staff this will make the job more difficult - But we will make it work and our hospitals will continue to provide excellent and safe care. @OntariosDoctors @CMA_Docs @AdamKassamMD @KatharineSmart @DorisGrinspun

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

3 years

What a remarkably good piece of science communication. Sincere thanks to ⁦ @SabiVM ⁩ ⁦ @MPaiMD ⁩ for writing this. ⁦ @cdavidnaylor ⁩ Understanding the blood clot issue behind the AstraZeneca vaccine and its safety | The Star

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

1 year

Important study demonstrating that improving air quality is associated with a larger mortality reduction for low income and racialized groups. A compelling argument for addressing structural determinants of health. ⁦ @NEJM ⁩

Air Pollution and Mortality at the Intersection of Race and Social Class | NEJM

Black Americans are exposed to higher annual levels of air pollution containing fine particulate matter (particles with an aerodynamic diameter of ≤2.5 μm [PM2.5]) than White Americans and may be m...

www.nejm.org

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

1 year

Given the lack of a mask mandate, at minimum we need an aggressive public campaign: - broad community outreach - role modelling by Public Health/Government leaders - making masks freely available at public settings @BogochIsaac

'Impressive' community outreach needed to improve mask wearing, says...

If the province isn't going to mandate mask wearing in public settings, it needs a large and sound communications strategy to improve adherence, says infectious disease specialist Dr. Isaac Bogoch.

www.cbc.ca

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

3 years

Compared to the original strain, patients infected with VOCs have: >60% chance of being hospitalized, >50% mortality, double the risk of ICU admission. Compared to the start of the December lock-down, right now there are 50% more COVID patients <age 60 admitted to the ICU.

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

2 years

Love this recognition of one of the marvels of the pandemic - the individuals who drove our vaccine rollout. Took a village: from procurement to informing physicians to front line engagement and advocating for equity. Ontario’s vaccine heroes of 2021

20 people who took on the biggest job of the pandemic and helped Ontario get its shots

To mark how far we’ve come during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Star has profiled 20 of the people who helped get more than 25 million doses into arms.

www.thestar.com

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

1 year

Critical question from the CEO of one of our most important children’s hospitals @SickKidsNews “Where will all the sick kids go?” Masks and vaccines are critical to help blunt this surge. @picardonhealth

Ronald D. Cohn

@ronald_cohn

1 year

“Where will all the sick kids go?” It feels surreal to find ourselves in a situation where this is a question being – rightfully – posed in @TheGlobeandMail . We are seeing unprecedented patient volumes at @SickKidsNews for this time of year.

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

3 years

Many scientists we respect disagree with this strategy and it's important to value their perspectives. In the end, this virus continues to surprise us a year after it first emerged - we are humbled by how little we still know. The 'right' answer today may not be tomorrow.

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

3 years

@DFisman I think mortality rate was >30% then for children. Families would not see their kids again until they either died or survived and cleared the virus. I can’t imagine the terror.

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

2 years

The omicron wave comes at a difficult time with enhanced transmission from cold weather + the holidays accelerating spread. An understandable frustrated fatalism abounds (h/t ghostwriter Oscar) Our Op Ed with #ArtSlutsky and @cdavidnaylor 🧵1/5

Opinion: Despite the sense of déjà vu, Omicron may well be the storm before the calm

While the new variant has reminded many Canadians of last winter’s hardships, we shouldn’t lose sight of the reality that things are much more hopeful now, in crucial ways

www.theglobeandmail.com

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

3 years

Received #covidvacccine yesterday and no reaction, no site soreness (which I normally get with every other vaccine). Makes me wonder about prior asymptomatic exposure given potentially higher rates of seroconversion among healthcare workers. Thoughts @ASPphysician @BogochIsaac ?

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

2 years

Great example of how easily CO2 monitoring can help with decision making around the safety of spaces. I hope we see this technology widely embraced. @MarkLautens

Mark Lautens

@MarkLautens

2 years

Feeling good about the air quality in the building @chemuoft after my “group-meeting experiment” measuring CO2. • 450 ± 15 ppm in my office and our seminar room • 650 ppm 10 min after 15 group members entered the seminar room • 702 ppm was the maximum level (with me talking!)

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

2 years

Claim 4: Variants are caused by mRNA vaccines Early misinformation claimed Delta was produced by vaccination (actually detected Oct 2020, well before the first vaccines). Current theories of Omicron’s emergence include animal reservoirs, or an immunocompromised individual. 7/12

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

1 year

Much remains unknown about XBB.1.5, but prudent to take protective steps while we wait for more scientific certainty. 3/3

What we know — and don’t know — about the latest COVID-19 subvariant

TVO Today speaks with Fahad Razak, former head of the COVID-19 Science Advisory Table, about XBB.1.5 and reducing risk.

www.tvo.org

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

3 years

Incredibly excited that my MIL, the amazing Rosemary Conliffe, has received the Owen Adams Award from @CMA_Docs . This is the highest award given to non-physicians and she follows last year's awardee @picardonhealth and many other luminaries. 1/3

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

3 years

This Israeli real world study of vaccine impact is just stunning from a scientific perspective (event rates essentially go flat at 21 days for the vaccinated group) and an execution perspective when you realize the n in each group in fig 2 is >500,000.

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

3 years

My first patient with long-COVID died in hospital - Someone I first met during initial admission with COVID in the spring and shocking to see the non-resolving multi-system effects on repeated admissions since then. Worrying for long-term burden on patients and the health system.

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

3 years

With angst re NACI, very helpful interview with @picardonhealth . I'm one of the scientists guilty of 'dancing on the head of a pin' and have learned so much on #scicomm listening to @dlsphjournalism advice on @COVIDSciOntario science briefs this year.

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

1 year

Highly innovative program to treat intoxicated homeless individuals outside of the ER - Better specialized treatment while freeing up ERs and ambulance services. Hope it can be quickly evaluated and scaled. @drandrewb @KevinSmithUHN @UHN @TorontoMedics

New hospital program helps Toronto’s homeless, cuts ambulance offload time

Inside the 24-hour operation, there are 11 beds staffed by harm-reduction workers, peer-support workers, case workers and a physician on call

www.theglobeandmail.com

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

2 years

Claim 6: There is a “Master Narrative” Response So much has been debated with huge differences in policy across countries. Consider vaccine debates: Canada - the delay between doses. UK - the slow approval for children. US - no approval for AZ. There is no Master Narrative! 9/12

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Fahad Razak

@DrFahadRazak

3 years

Thank you @OntariosDoctors for the opportunity to be part of this excellent panel about the primary role of science in combatting the COVID pandemic. As always, learned so much from my excellent colleagues @skepticalIDdoc and @jkwan_md

Ontario Medical Association

@OntariosDoctors

3 years

@OntariosDoctors emphasize the need to follow science, evidence to curb the pandemic. #ONhealth

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