The symptoms normally begin to show after 5-6 days but may appear at day 1-14. The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and fatigue. Other symptoms that are less common include aches and pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis (pinkeye), sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell, a skin rash or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some individuals become infected but only have very mild symptoms and some are infected but show no symptoms at all.
Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing hospital treatment. Approximately 1 out of every 5 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. Older people, and those with underlying medical conditions such as high blood pressure, heart and lung problems, diabetes, or cancer, are at higher risk of developing serious illness. However, anyone can catch COVID-19 and become seriously ill. People of all ages who experience fever and/or cough associated with difficulty breathing/shortness of breath, or chest pain/pressure, should seek medical attention immediately.
For information and guidance call KFL&A Public Health COVID-19 Call Centre at 613-549-1232 or 1-800-267-7875 and follow the prompts or text 343-477-1971. The COVID-19 Call Centre is open 7 days a week.
How is it spread?
COVID-19 is mainly spread through respiratory droplets expelled by someone who is talking, breathing or coughing or has other symptoms such as fever or tiredness. Many people with COVID-19 experience only mild symptoms and there is evidence that some are even asymptomatic. This is particularly true in the early stages of the disease. It is possible to catch COVID-19 from someone who has just a mild cough and does not feel ill or even has no symptoms at all.
How to prevent spread
A) Physical (social) distancing
Together, we can minimize the spread of COVID-19 by making a conscious effort to keep a physical distance between each other.Â
Physical (social) distancing is proven to be one of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of illness during an outbreak.
This means making changes in your everyday routines to minimize close contact with others, including:
- keeping a distance of at least 2 metres from others
- avoiding crowded places and non-essential gatherings
- avoiding direct/close contact with others, such as handshakes, hugs
- limiting contact with people, especially those at a higher risk including older adults, those in poor health and those that have high risk health issues
B) Wearing masks or face coverings
Wearing a non-medical mask or face covering while in indoor public spaces
is required in Kingston including:
- stores
- shopping areas
- public transportation
- outdoor areas where physical distancing of 2 metres is not possible
C) Hygiene
Proper hygiene can help reduce the risk of infection or spreading infection to others:
- wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the washroom and when preparing food
- use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
- when coughing or sneezing:
- cough or sneeze into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand
- dispose of any tissues you have used as soon as possible in a lined waste basket and wash your hands afterwards
- avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth, especially with unwashed hands
D) Cleaning
Coronaviruses are one of the easiest types of viruses to kill with the appropriate disinfectant product when used according to the label directions. Health Canada has published aÂ
list of hard surface disinfectants that are likely to be effective for use against COVID-19.
Commonly used surfaces and high-touch areas should be frequently disinfected, including:
- toilets
- phones
- electronics
- door handles
- bedside tables
- television remotes
What to do if you think you may have contracted COVID-19?
Inform
Notify your coach, Team Athletic Therapist, or a Varsity Program Staff member immediately.
For information and guidance call KFL&A Public Health COVID-19 Call Centre at 613-549-1232 or 1-800-267-7875 and follow the prompts or text 343-477-1971. The COVID-19 Call Centre is open 7 days a week.
Self-Isolate
There are mandatory legal self-isolation requirements for individuals residing in, or present in Kingston who:
a) are identified as a person diagnosed with COVID-19,
b) have the signs or symptoms of COVID-19, have similar signs or symptoms, or who have tested for COVID-19 and are awaiting results,
c) otherwise have reasonable grounds to believe they have symptoms of COVID-19, or
d) are a close contact of a person identified in (a) or by KFL&A Public Health.
Self-isolation is generally for a period of 14 days from the first onset of symptom(s) from testing or from diagnosis with COVID-19, whichever is earliest, and provided the individual does not have a fever and their other symptom(s) are improving on the fourteenth day. In some cases, public health officials may direct an individual to extend the period of isolation, depending upon symptoms and test results.
Get Tested
In addition to the above, if you think you may have COVID-19 due to contact with an infected person, having symptoms or for any reason, you should go to the local COVID-19 Assessment Centre to be tested.
All public health measures are followed at the Assessment Centre to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Individuals entering the building must clean their hands with hand sanitizer and put on a face mask, these are both provided. Individuals must also maintain a physical distance of 2 metres (6 feet) from others in the building. Environmental cleaning of all equipment and furniture is done at frequent intervals on a regular basis.Â
Self-isolation is generally for a period of 14 days from the first onset of symptom(s) from testing or from diagnosis with COVID-19, whichever is earliest, and provided the individual does not have a fever and their other symptom(s) are improving on the fourteenth day. In some cases, public health officials may direct an individual to extend the period of isolation, depending upon symptoms and test results.
Recovery time and Process
Those with a mild case of COVID-19 tend to recover within one to two weeks. Most young, healthy athletes with no high-risk predispositions will have mild symptoms. For these cases it is essential to prevent the spread. During self-isolation, rest and hydration can help the healing process. A physician may suggest medication to manage a fever if there is one present. For severe cases, recovery may take three to six weeks or more. Severe cases require hospitalization and medical treatment that can include oxygen and occasionally intubation and a ventilator. In some severe cases there may be lasting effects to the heart, kidneys, lungs and brain.
