Presenting Symptoms
What is Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
The COVID-19 can cause illness ranging from a very mild, cold-like illness to a severe lung infection. Symptoms can include
- fever (i.e. chills, sweats)
- cough or worsening of a previous cough
- sore throat
- headache
- shortness of breath
- muscle aches
- sneezing
- nasal congestion/runny nose
- hoarse voice
- diarrhea
- unusual fatigue
- loss of sense of smell or taste
- red, purple or blueish lesions on the feet, toes or fingers without clear cause
The World Health Organization advises that symptoms may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 10 to 14 days after being exposed.
How is COVID-19 transmitted?
If a person carrying the virus sneezes, coughs or exhales, respiratory droplets are releases into the atmosphere and they may quickly land on nearby surfaces and/or another person. A worker may then touch contaminated surfaces or objects and then rub their eyes, nose, or mouth before washing.
The virus can be transmitted by:
- Breathing in droplets in the air that are generated when people cough or sneeze
- Close contact with other people (e.g. shaking hands or hugging)
- Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face, mouth, or food
- Touching a contaminated surface and then touch another surface may cause the virus to transfer from one surface to another.
When should you get medical advice?
If you have any symptoms, isolate yourself from others as quickly as possible. Immediately call a health care professional or Public Health Authority. Describe your symptoms and travel history if applicable. Protect others from infection by washing your hands often and covering your mouth and nose, with your elbow, when coughing or sneezing.
You must stay home and self-isolate if your health care provider and/or a test has confirmed that you have COVID-19 and follow their instructions.
