Protect Yourself and Others from Respiratory Infections

It’s important to continue to take important everyday precautions such as washing your hands often and avoiding touching common surfaces in public places.

There are two effective hand cleaning methods:

• An alcohol-based hand rub is the preferred method for cleaning your hands;
• Soap and water must be used when hands are visibly soiled, when an infectious disease is present and after using the washroom.

Information and speculation about COVID-19 is constant and everywhere. This can lead to increased stress and anxiety. To reduce these feelings, stay informed using credible sources to educate yourself on the facts. Limit your use of social media and instead make a conscious effort to check reputable sources a few times a day, rather than continually scrolling. Keep informed about travel advice and restrictions.

Are you at risk?

Because COVID-19 is a new disease, we are constantly learning more about it. Most infected people will develop mild to moderate illness and recover without hospitalization, however COVID-19 affects different people in different ways.

Because our immune system naturally becomes weaker as we age, older adults are at risk and should monitor themselves for any signs of illness and seek treatment as soon as possible. Even the common cold or mild flu may worsen quickly. Click here for advice from the Canadian Geriatrics Society.

For pregnant women, there are several precautions to take to protect against the possibility of becoming ill including staying home and avoiding visitors. There is currently no evidence that suggests pregnant women are at a higher risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID-19. Also, there is currently no evidence that a developing child could be negatively affected by COVID-19. Click here to learn more.

People with medical conditions such as heart disease, respiratory disease, cancer, and diabetes have an increased risk of illness and hospitalization if they contract COVID-19. Until there is a vaccine, the best thing you can do is protect yourself and others to avoid virus exposure and follow these helpful tips:

• Do a health check-up. If you are displaying mild or moderate symptoms of COVID-19, complete the self-assessment by visiting gnb.ca/coronavirus, or call Tele-Care 811 or your family physician or nurse practitioner.
• Take your prescribed medications. Continue taking your medications and ensure you have enough medications and medical supplies on hand. If you feel unwell, contact your family physician, nurse practitioner, or your health care team.
• Keep active and eat healthy. Continue to eat well and try to keep active in and around your home while maintaining physical distance from others.
• Ask for help. Ask family, a neighbour or friend to help with essential errands (e.g., picking up prescriptions, buying groceries) or use a delivery service.

Additional information relating medical conditions and increased COVID-19 risks can be found online the following websites:

• Diabetes Canada
• Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
• Canadian Cancer Society
• Canadian Lung Association
• Arthritis Society

Reminder: A heart attack, stroke or cardiac arrest is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention. Call 911 if you or someone with you experiences signs of a heart attack, stroke or cardiac arrest.

Resources:

• Tips for Caregivers During COVID-19
• Older Adults’ Wellness During COVID-19: A Guide

In some countries, there is rapid and widespread transmission with large numbers of people being ill at the same time. While most cases of COVID-19 cause mild infections, the elderly and those with chronic underlying conditions are most at risk for severe illness.

Without measures to reduce the spread of the virus there can be a dramatic increase of severely ill people who require medical care and hospitalizations within a short period of time. Health care systems may become overloaded.

Here’s how you can help reduce the spread of COVID-19:

• Avoid others and stay home if you are sick.
• Respect visitor restrictions.
• Reduce contact with others.
• Consider ways you and your family could change behaviours and routines to reduce your risk of infection if COVID-19 becomes common in your community.
• Avoid shaking hands.
• Limit your exposure to crowded places.
• Refill prescriptions so that you do not have to go to a pharmacy if you do become ill.
• Shop for extra supplies so that you do not need to go shopping if you become sick.
• Build on the kits you have prepared for other potential emergencies.
• Increase social distance between others (ideally to two metres).
• Encourage people who are ill or those with high-risk medical conditions not to  attend gatherings.
• Support hand hygiene by providing hand sanitizer dispensers in prominent  locations.
• Communicate clearly to others about the risks and directing them to our advice on reducing the spread of illness.

Resources:

• Canadian Geriatrics Society: COVID-19 Recommendations for Older Adults
• Caregiving to Older Adults During COVID-19: A Guide

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms for the novel coronavirus are similar to those for influenza or other respiratory illnesses. They can range from mild to moderate and include:

• Fever above 38 degrees Celsius
• A new cough, or worsening chronic cough
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Headache
• A new onset of fatigue
• A new onset of muscle pain
• Diarrhea
• Loss of sense of taste
• Loss of sense of smell
• In children, purple markings on the fingers and toes

In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.