COVID-19

COVID-19 is caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2. It spreads mostly from person to person via the respiratory system.

Common symptoms include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Muscle or body aches. 

Most people who get COVID-19 will experience mild to moderate illness. Older adults and people with underlying health conditions are more likely to become seriously ill from COVID-19. They may need medical attention. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent serious outcomes.

You can manage your symptoms similar to how you manage other respiratory infections (for example, influenza – the flu). 

If you have symptoms of COVID-19:

• Stay home and away from others until your fever is gone (without the use of medicines that reduce fever, like Tylenol). You should also feel well enough to take part in daily activities.
• Avoid close contact with others, especially people at higher risk of severe illness or complications from COVID-19.
• If you cannot avoid close contact with others, take other prevention measures. This includes wearing a mask in indoor spaces and cleaning your hands regularly.

Treatments are available for people who test positive and are at high risk from COVID-19. To find out if you may benefit from treatment and how to get it, visit the Government of B.C.'s website or call 1-888-268-4319.

• COVID-19 can be diagnosed with a test called a rapid antigen test. The test involves taking a swab from the inside of your nostrils. Testing kits are available at many community pharmacies. They come with instructions on how to do the test. You can test yourself at home.
• Testing for COVID-19 is only recommended if you have symptoms AND
  • are pregnant
  • are immunocompromised or otherwise at risk of more severe disease
  • are caring for someone who is at risk of more severe disease
• Many people with symptoms of COVID manage their symptoms without getting tested. 

Most people can manage their symptoms at home. You should drink lots of water and fluids, rest, and use a humidifier or hot shower to ease a cough or sore throat. 

If you have a fever, you can use non-prescription medicine like acetaminophen (Tylenol ®) or ibuprofen (Advil ®). They can help with some of the symptoms of COVID-19.

You can call 8-1-1 any time to talk to a nurse at HealthLink BC. This service is available in 130 languages. If your symptoms worsen, or if they do not improve after five or six days, call 8-1-1, your family doctor, or go to an Urgent and Primary Care Centre (UPCC).

Go to an emergency department or call 9-1-1 if you:

• find it hard to breathe
• have chest pain
• can’t drink anything
• feel very sick
• feel confused

If you are at higher risk of serious illness or if you have an underlying medical condition, talk to your health care provider about treatment options. Currently available treatments do not stop you from getting COVID-19. They are used to prevent severe illness in people who are at higher risk from COVID-19. 

The Indigenous Wellness Liaison Team is here to support your health journey. Team members offer cultural support and healthcare advocacy. Learn more below or call them at 604-682-2344,62937 or email IWL@providencehealth.bc.ca.

Advances in treatments are all thanks to medical research. While participating in research is a decision you should make for yourself in consultation with your care team, there is much activity in this area so please ask us about our research programs if you’re interested.

By taking part in research, you can help us all learn more about advancing health outcomes and find better ways to help people live and thrive. While you cannot assume benefit to yourself, your participation can make a difference in improving care for future patients.

The following clinical trials are currently enrolling volunteers. Please ask your care team for more information or contact the research team listed on each study or trial. For other information about research at Providence Health Care, please visit Providence Research.