Caring for yourself or others with COVID-19

Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and can recover at home without medical care. This information may be useful for someone who is recovering at home or caring for someone with COVID-19.

Prevent the spread

• Stay home, except to get medical care.
• People who are positive for COVID-19 are recommended to self-isolate and notify close contacts, as outlined here.

Symptoms may include

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

Look after yourself

• Get rest and drink plenty of fluids.
• Keep a supply of easy-to-prepare food on hand.
• Take over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to help you feel better.
• If you have questions about your symptoms, call 811

Seek medical care immediately if symptoms worsen.

Worsening symptoms may include

• trouble breathing
• pain or pressure in the chest
• feeling confused
• not able to drink anything

How do I find out if I am eligible for anti-viral treatment and how do I access it?

• Not everyone who tests positive for COVID-19 would benefit from anti-viral treatment. Anti-viral treatment is for individuals at higher risk of more severe outcomes such as hospitalization, and who do not have any contraindications for the treatment (such as being on certain medications that can’t be used at the same time as the treatment).
• You may be eligible for anti-viral treatment, IF you are experiencing symptoms that developed within the last 5 days, AND at least one of the criteria below:
  • Age 18 and over with underlying medical conditions* that lead to high risk of severe outcomes including hospitalization or death* regardless of COVID-19 vaccine status OR
  • Age 50 and older (regardless of vaccine status)
• To be eligible, you also must have a positive test result.
• If you are experiencing symptoms and think you may be eligible, reach out to your family physician/nurse practitioner or 811 to discuss your eligibility. If you do not have a family doctor or nurse practitioner, call the 811 telehealth service for advice or visit a walk-in clinic. Inform your initial contact, whether via telephone or in person, that you are in self isolation.
• *List of underlying medical conditions can be found here (excluding pregnancy)

More information about Paxlovid can be found here: PAXLOVID | COVID-19 vaccines and treatments portal.

For more information:

• COVID-19 test results: PrinceEdwardIsland.ca/MyTestResults
• If you test positive: PrinceEdwardIsland.ca/TestedPositive
• Information for close contacts: PrinceEdwardIsland.ca/CloseContact
• For general inquiries related to COVID-19 call 1-800-958-6400