COVID-19 

COVID-19

With winter on the way, we’re approaching the peak period for respiratory illness. It’s important to protect against COVID-19 by taking the necessary precautions.

What is COVID-19? 

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a respiratory infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

How is it spread? 

The virus spreads from an infected person to others through respiratory droplets expelled when coughing or sneezing. It can also be transmitted by touching a surface or object contaminated with the virus and then touching your mouth, nose or face before washing your hands.

Common symptoms 

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Sore throat
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Runny or stuffy nose

Who is at risk? 

  • Elders
  • Individuals with a weakened immune system and pregnant women
  • Individuals with chronic disease such as diabetes, heart and lung diseases, asthma or high blood pressure

Potential complications 

  • Heart inflammation
  • Blood clots
  • Pneumonia
  • Kidney damage
  • Long COVID-19

Prevention 

  • Practise good hand hygiene: Wash your hand regularly with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.
  • Wear a face mask, and don’t forget to wash or sanitize your hands before and after each wear.
  • Keep high-touch surfaces clean (e.g., doorknobs and light switches).
  • Avoid crowded indoor spaces: Limit time spent at large gatherings in enclosed spaces.
  • Self-isolate after testing positive for COVID-19: Stay at home until symptoms alleviate steadily for 24 hours and you no longer have a fever.
  • Get vaccinated against COVID-19 and other respiratory infections, including influenza, if eligible and if the vaccine is publicly available.

Vaccination locations 

  • Community health centres
  • Nursing stations
  • Pharmacies that offer this service
  • CLSC

Treatment  

  • Most people with COVID-19 recover on their own without treatment.
  • Individuals at higher risk of developing complications from COVID-19 may be eligible for the antiviral drug Paxlovid. If eligible, treatment should start within five days after the onset of symptoms. Please consult your healthcare professional about your eligibility if you: 
  • Have a severely weakened immune system
  • Are aged 60 or older
  • Have at least one of the following health conditions:
  • Obesity
  • Diabetes
  • Chronic renal and liver failure
  • Heart disease
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD)

Reférences

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/symptoms-causes/syc-20479963

https://www.canada.ca/fr/sante-publique/services/maladies/2019-nouveau-coronavirus/symptomes.html

https://www.quebec.ca/sante/problemes-de-sante/a-z/coronavirus-2019/symptomes-transmission-traitement

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