Novel Coronavirus COVID-19
 

Public Health Guidance for When You Have Symptoms of a Respiratory Infection

 

Respiratory infections caused by viruses like the flu and COVID-19 can be hard to tell apart because their symptoms are similar.

If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection or test positive for any respiratory infection:

  • If you are at high risk of severe illness, check with your health provider if testing and treatment is recommended for you.
  • Stay home and away from others until your symptoms have improved and you feel well enough to resume normal activities. If you have a fever, stay home until you are free of fever for around 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication (e.g. acetaminophen or ibuprofen).
  • Avoid close contact with others, especially people at higher risk of severe illness from a respiratory infection.
  • Clean your hands regularly - wash your hands with soap and water for at least 15 seconds or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes.
  • If appropriate, open windows to encourage airflow.
  • If you cannot avoid close contact with others, consider wearing a mask in indoor settings.

By staying home and staying away from others, you are helping to limit further spread of respiratory infections.

Even after you start feeling better and return to your normal activities, you may still be able to spread the illness, although the risk is lower. Continue taking precautions above and avoid non-essential visits to high-risk settings (e.g. personal care homes, health care facilities) until your symptoms are completely gone.

Monitor your symptoms and seek care as needed

Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of a respiratory infection should also be monitoring for any new or worsening symptoms, including fever, cough, headache or breathing difficulties. If you start to feel worse, call your health care provider or Health Links - Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257.

Manitobans are encouraged to visit the "Where to go" resource page for assistance on how to find the right health care services at sharedhealthmb.ca/patient-care/where-to-go. View wait times in Winnipeg walk-in clinics, urgent care centres and emergency departments at MyRightCare.ca (WRHA).

Call 911 if your symptoms are severe (i.e. new or severe chest pain, trouble breathing, bluish lips or face, sudden confusion, symptoms of stroke such as leg or arm weakness, numbness, slurred speech or facial drooping). It is important to seek medical attention early to get the care you need.

 

Advice if you work in a high-risk setting

If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection and work in a high-risk setting (such as a hospital, a long-term care home, or another congregate setting), you should speak with your employer and follow your workplace guidance for return to work.