COVID-19 Health Tip
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.
- Healthcare and social services workers Healthcare in direct contact with patients
- You have upcoming surgery, or another medical treatment scheduled
- 60 years or older
- Immunocompromised
- 18 and older and have a chronic health condition (diabetes, hypertension, respiratory disease, liver or kidney disease)
- Pregnant
- Children under 2
- People who live with someone or care for someone with a higher risk of complications
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.
- The virus spreads mainly through close contact between people lasting more than 15 minutes, at a distance of less than two metres.
- The virus can spread from an infected person's mouth or nose through large or small droplets when they cough, sneeze, speak, sing or breathe or kiss.
- COVID-19 can also spread by touching something that has the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes with unwashed hands.
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.
- Fever (38°C or higher)
- Coughing
- Loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Nasal congestion (runny nose, sneezing, feeling stuffy)
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.
- If you are having trouble breathing, go to the CMC or hospital immediately.
- Most people who catch COVID-19 will recover without specific treatment.
- Rest, hydrate, and follow recommended precautions.
- People at risk of developing complications could benefit from antiviral drugs like Paxlovid. Call the CMC if you think it could help you.
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.
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