WHAT IS IT? - United Way of Northern BC
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About Coronavirus (COVID-19)
WHAT IS IT?
COVID-19 is an illness caused by a coronavirus.
Human coronaviruses are common and are typically
associated with mild illnesses, similar to the common cold.
HOW IT IS SPREAD
Coronaviruses are most commonly SPREAD from an
infected person through:
• respiratory droplets when you cough or sneeze
• close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
• touching something with the virus on it, then touching
your eyes, nose or mouth before washing your hands
These viruses are not known to spread through ventilation systems or
through water.
STAY INFORMED
• Learn about the symptoms of COVID-19, how it spreads and how
to prevent illness.
• Get your information from reliable sources such as the Public
Health Agency of Canada, and provincial, territorial and municipal
public health authorities.
• If the news media is making you feel anxious, take a break from it.
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SYMPTOMS
Symptoms may be very mild
or more serious. They may
take up to 14 days to appear
after exposure to the virus.
FEVER COUGH DIFFICULTY
BREATHING
IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS
If you have SYMPTOMS of COVID-19 — fever, cough, or difficulty breathing:
811
Stay home to avoid spreading Call ahead before you visit a If you need immediate medical
it to others health care professional or call attention, call 811 and tell them
• If you live with others, stay your local public health your symptoms
in a separate room or keep authority
a 2-metre distance • tell them your symptoms and
follow their instructions
For more information on Coronavirus
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PREVENTION
Wash your hands often Avoid touching your Avoid close contact with
with soap and water for at eyes, nose or mouth, people who are sick
least 20 seconds especially with
unwashed hands
Clean and disinfect Stay home if you are sick
frequently touched objects to avoid spreading illness
and surfaces, such as toys, to others
electronic devices and
doorknobs
When coughing or sneezing:
• cover your mouth and nose with your arm or tissues to reduce
the spread of germs
• immediately dispose of any tissues you have used into the
garbage as soon as possible and wash your hands afterwards
For more information on Coronavirus
1-833-784-4397 canada.ca/coronavirus phac.info.aspc@canada.caAbout Coronavirus (COVID-19)
PREPARE
& PLAN
There are simple, practical things you can do to prepare in
case you or someone in your household becomes ill or if
COVID-19 becomes common in your community.
MAKE A PLAN THAT INCLUDES:
• Essential supplies (a few weeks’ worth) on • Reducing your exposure to crowded places if
hand so you will not need to leave your home COVID-19 becomes common in your
if you become ill. community. For example:
- Avoid panic buying. Add a few extra items to - Shop and use public transit during off-peak
your cart every time you shop. This places hours
less of a burden on suppliers, and can help
- Exercise outdoors instead of in an indoor
ease financial burden on you as well.
fitness club
- Renew and refill your prescription
medications.
• Alternative arrangements in case you become
ill or if you need to care for a sick family
member. For example:
- Have backup childcare in case you or your
usual care provider become ill.
- If you care for dependents, have a backup
caregiver in place.
- Talk to your employer about working from
home if possible.
For more information on Coronavirus
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SELF-ISOLATION
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then
throw the tissue in the trash
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at
least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not
available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
Avoid sharing household items like dishes,
drinking glasses, eating utensils
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects
and surfaces
If in a room with others, avoid contact, keep
distance of at least 2 metres, wear a mask
For more information on Coronavirus
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VACCINATION
AFTERCARE
What to expect over the next few days:
Possible Side Effects
Side effects are common a day or two after
getting the COVID-19 vaccine. These can include:
Pain, redness, Swollen lymph Tiredness or
itchiness or swelling nodes under headache
armpit
Fever and Muscle or Nausea and
chills joint soreness vomiting
TIPS FOR SIDE EFFECTS
Painful areas: apply a cool damp cloth or a wrapped ice pack.
Discomfort from side effects: take medication such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Advil®). ASA (e.g., Aspirin®)
should not be given to anyone under 18 years of age.
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VACCINATION
AFTERCARE
Symptoms to look out for:
1 Some of the side effects of the vaccine are similar to symptoms of COVID-19. The
vaccine will NOT cause or give you COVID-19.
2 Symptoms such as a sore throat, runny nose, cough or other problems breathing
are NOT side effects of the vaccine.
3 If you experience ANY symptoms of COVID-19, use the BC COVID-19 Self-As-
sessment tool at bc.thrive.health/covid19/en
4 If you are worried, contact your health care provider or call 8-1-1.
5 Serious side effects after receiving the vaccine are rare. If you develop any serious
side effects or a severe allergic reaction (including hives, swelling of your face,
tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing), seek medical attention or call 9-1-1 right
away. Tell them you’ve received a COVID-19 vaccine.
Returning for the second dose of vaccine
1 The person giving you the vaccine will let you know when you can return for your
second dose. It is important to get both doses of the vaccine to protect you
against COVID-19.
2 Bring your immunization record with you for the second dose. A record of your
COVID-19 immunization will also be available online through Health Gateway.
To register, visit www.healthgateway.gov.bc.ca
For more information on Coronavirus
1-833-784-4397 canada.ca/coronavirus phac.info.aspc@canada.caCOVID-19 UPDATES
VACCINATION
AFTERCARE
Things to remember:
1 If you need to get another vaccine before you get your second COVID-19 vaccine
dose, talk to your healthcare provider first about when you can receive other
vaccines.
2 It will take about two weeks after getting the first dose to build immunity to the
virus. If you are exposed to someone with COVID-19 before or during this time,
you may not yet be fully protected, so you can still get COVID-19.
3 You might be contacted to participate in safety monitoring for COVID-19
vaccines. For more information go to CANVAS-COVID.ca
CONTINUE TO FOLLOW PUBLIC HEALTH GUIDELINES
EVEN AFTER YOU ARE VACCINATED
Maintain physical
Clean your
distance of
hands regularly
2 metres (6 feet)
Follow Public
Wear a mask Health precautions
and restrictions
For more information on Coronavirus
1-833-784-4397 canada.ca/coronavirus phac.info.aspc@canada.caCOVID-19 UPDATES
DOES YOUR MASK
FIT PROPERLY?
The way your mask fits can help protect you and others from COVID-19
• Choose a mask made of multiple • Wash your hands with soap and water
layers, including at least 2 layers for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water
of tightly woven fabric and a third aren’t available, use a hand sanitizer
middle layer of filter-type fabric. containing at least 60% alcohol.
1 Fit is important. Make sure
your mask completely covers
your nose, mouth and chin.
2 Check for gaps
between your face
and your mask.
Check the top, sides and Check the edges of
bottom of your mask. your mask for air
leaks and adjust
if necessary.
3 Adjust your mask
so that it fits snugly.
Adjust the ties Adjust the wire
or ear loops. nose piece if your
mask has one.
For more information on Coronavirus
1-833-784-4397 canada.ca/coronavirus phac.info.aspc@canada.caCORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)
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