What to do if you are showing symptoms of COVID-19
Symptoms of COVID-19 can be very mild to severe. They typically appear 5 to 7 days after exposure to the virus, but in some cases, symptoms can appear up to 12 days after exposure.
The main symptoms are:
- Fever (38°C or higher)
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing
Other symptoms
A sore throat, feeling of extreme fatigue and/or a sudden loss of smell are among other common symptoms of COVID-19.
If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, here are the measures to take:
Stay at home and self-isolate
It is essential that you stay at home as soon as symptoms start to appear. If possible, isolate yourself in a room and limit your movements in your home to avoid contaminating your loved ones. The first thing to do is to schedule an appointment immediately to obtain rapid tests from your Accès pharma pharmacy by using our online service. A person you know can also make their way directly to Accès pharma for you. Tests are sometimes available on the spot. When in doubt, do not hesitate to call the coronavirus info line at 1-877-644-4545.
As long as you have not received and undergone a COVID-19 screening test, remain in isolation and abide by the Instructions for people with COVID-19.
If your test result is positive, remain in isolation for a minimum of 5 days and abide by the Instructions for people with COVID-19. It is also important to declare your result without delay.
Only make your way to the emergency room if you are experiencing breathing difficulties (i.e., difficulty breathing while at rest or when breathing is impossible while you are lying down).
Wash your hands often
Washing your hands protects your loved ones.
Clean your environment
Clean and disinfect the surfaces that you have touched. For cleaning, you can use common household cleaners. Use a bleach solution to disinfect, mixing 1 part bleach to 9 parts of water.
Cough and sneeze into your elbow
Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. If you use a tissue, discard it immediately.
In case of emergency
If you are experiencing significant respiratory problems, call 9-1-1.
If you are caring for yourself at home or are caring for a child or a person with a disability, autism spectrum disorder, or a loss of autonomy, read the Government of Québec’s Self-Care Guide.
Telling the difference between COVID-19, the flu, the common cold and seasonal allergies
With the emergence of new variants such a Delta and Omicron, it isn’t possible to tell the difference between COVID-19 and the flu based solely on symptoms, seeing as they resemble each other too closely. A screening test must be taken to identify the presence of COVID-19. Due to an increased number of infections, PCR tests performed in screening clinics are now reserved to people belonging to priority groups.
If you are showing symptoms, the first thing to do is to self-isolate in order to avoid coming into contact with others. If you do not belong to a priority group, make sure to schedule an appointment immediately to obtain rapid tests from your Accès pharma pharmacy by using our online service. A person you know can also make their way directly to Accès pharma for you. Tests are sometimes available on the spot. When in doubt, do not hesitate to call the coronavirus info line at 1-877-644-4545.
As long as you have not received and undergone a COVID-19 screening test, remain in isolation and abide by the Instructions for people with COVID-19.
This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice and Accès pharma affiliated pharmacist-owners cannot be held responsible for this information. The information was true and accurate at the time of publication, but it is subject to change.
