Do I need to consult if I have COVID-19 or symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection?
Signs of coronavirus (COVID-19) infection can be mild to severe. Most of the time, there is no need to see a doctor. You can administer self-care and monitor your symptoms while recovering at home. See the table below for guidelines on when to see a healthcare provider.
| Fever | Common symptoms | Respiratory symptoms | Gastrointestinal symptoms | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practise self-care at home | Oral temperature above 38.1°C (100.6°F) if condition is good overall For children 3 months to 5 years old: rectal temperature 38.5°C (101.3°F) if condition is good overall |
Runny or stuffy nose (nasal congestion) Headache Sore throat that doesn’t make it hard to eat Sudden loss of smell without nasal congestion, with or without loss of taste Body aches Fatigue that doesn’t prevent you from performing activities of daily living |
Recent cough or worsening of a chronic cough Mild shortness of breath that doesn’t prevent you from performing activities of daily living |
Mild abdominal pain Nausea (queasiness) or vomiting Diarrhea Mild appetite loss with sustained hydration |
| I should see a health care professional | Oral temperature above 38.1°C (100.6°F): - With deterioration in overall condition - Lasting more than 72 hours - That doesn’t respond to acetaminophen or ibuprofen |
Intense headache not relieved with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Severe sore throat that makes it hard to eat |
Shortness of breath that prevents you from performing activities of daily living Worsening chronic cough: - Despite the use of inhalers - Despite following the action plan for knownasthmatic/COPD patients |
Abdominal pain and diarrhea lasting longer than 14 days |
| Go to the emergency room or call 911 | For children 0 to 3 months old: rectal temperature 38.1°C (101.3°F) and above |
Severe pain in the chest, jaw, or left arm Deterioration in overall condition: excessive drowsiness, difficulty staying awake, severe weakness, confusion, unusual behaviour |
Unusual or worsening shortness of breath: - Severe shortness of breath, even at rest - Shortness of breath that makes it impossible to talk |
Signs of dehydration that do not improve despite proper hydration: - Dry mucous membranes - Reduced urine output - Dark urine - Excessive thirst |
For more advice, call 811 to speak to an Info-Santé nurse.
4480 Chemin de la Côte de liesse, Suite 110, Ville Mont-Royal, QC, H4N 2R1
4480 Chemin de la Côte de liesse, Suite 110, Ville Mont-Royal, QC, H4N 2R1