COVID-19 is a respiratory infection caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2.
It can spread easily between people, causing mild to severe symptoms. Some people may become very sick and require hospitalization. Older people and those with underlying medical conditions are more likely to develop serious illness.
Symptoms are similar to a cold, flu or other respiratory infections, but can include loss of taste or smell and other signs.
If you feel sick and have a fever, stay at home until you feel better and follow recommended precautions listed on Respiratory Illness: How to Limit the Spread (click on box at the bottom of the page).
In general, it’s not necessary for you to get tested if you have flu-like or COVID-19 symptoms.
BUT: If are in one of the following groups, it’s recommended you go to the clinic for a PCR test.
A PCR test will help know if you have the flu, COVID-19, or an RSV infection, to get the right treatment.
People can catch COVID-19 more than once. People at higher risk of severe infection may benefit from antiviral treatment such as Paxlovid. Vaccination help reduce the spread of infection and severe symptoms.
COVID-19 rapid tests are no longer recommended. If you have rapid test kits at home, check the expiry date. If the test kits are expired, throw them out in the garbage.
People can catch the COVID-19 virus, carry it, and spread it to others, even if they don't have any symptoms.
Older people and people with underlying medical conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic respiratory disease, cancer or with a compromised immune system are more likely to develop serious illness. Some people may become very sick and require hospitalization. Severe cases of COVID-19 can lead to long-term complications or death.
Symptoms can vary from one person to the next depending on age and medical conditions.
Some people may have mild symptoms, or no symptoms at all (also known as asymptomatic).
Other people may become very sick and need to be hospitalized for treatment.
After someone is infected, it takes an average of 5 - 6 days for symptoms to develop.
Vaccination offers a strong layer of protection against respiratory infection, spreading infection to others, and severe illness.
Vaccine protection fades with time. It’s important to stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccination to protect yourself, and those around you.
Follow recommendations on the page called “Respiratory Illness: How to Limit the Spread”.
We can take steps to reduce the spread of germs that cause respiratory illness.
Antiviral treatment is available in Eeyou Istchee for people with COVID-19 who are at higher risk of severe disease and hospitalization.
Answers to questions you may have about getting vaccinated against COVID-19
The Cree Board of Health recommends you wear a mask in certain situations to protect yourself and people around you.
Passengers taking CHB charter flights are recommended to wear a medical mask while travelling.
Precautionary measures are safety steps you can take to prevent getting or spreading infectious diseases.
An infection is when germs enter someone’s body and start to make the person sick.
As the pandemic advanced in the spring of 2020, the Cree Health Board approached Natasia Mukash, a visual artist based in Whapmagoostui, to create a set of images to convey health messages using a…
Infections happen when germs enter someone’s body, and start to make the person sick.
