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Symptoms of COVID-19 and when to talk to a health professional

Symptoms of COVID-19 can vary, but here are the most common ones:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Shortness of breath

If you are experiencing these symptoms, please use the BC Self Assessment Tool and follow their advice (https://bc.thrive.health/covid19/en)

Check out this video on common COVID-19 symptoms: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Zw9Lt8jeGo&feature=emb_logo

You must seek immediate medical attention by calling 911 or visiting your nearest emergency department if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

  • difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  •  severe and persistent chest pain
  • severe confusion
  • Weakness
  • difficulty speaking or slurred speech
  • loss of consciousness or difficulty waking up

If you think you may have contracted COVID-19 and are beginning to have symptoms, you should call ahead to your physician or local walk-in clinic before visiting them in person.

Virtual visits may be available, which is the safest way to see a healthcare professional if you are experiencing symptoms. Here are some options to book an appointment in a virtual health clinic:

A different medical facility with specialized equipment, experts and care in place for COVID-19 patients may be recommended to you instead. For example, you might be directed to a COVID-19 testing centre. You can call 811 to find out where your nearest COVID-19 testing centre is if your health care provider is unsure of this information

To find a Collection Center to get tested:

  • Use the B.C. COVID-19 Collection Centre finder (for mobile and desktop)
  • Use the B.C. COVID-19 Collection Centre finder (for Internet Explorer)

New health and safety procedures may be in place that you need to know about before having an in-person visit at your local health care facility. Some examples include

  • You might need to use special protective equipment, like a mask
  • You might need to use a special entrance
  • A nurse or health care worker might meet you outside the clinic to do an initial assessment before entering the building

You can also use these resources if you have questions about how to take care of yourself, your family and your community or want to seek a health professional’s advice:

  • 811
  • phoning your physician or local walk in clinic
  • keeping up to date on public health information from sites like the WHO or the CDC

​This youtube video will give you more information on seeking healthcare during the pandemic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRC_vpwXeAk&feature=emb_logo