Ontario doctors are on the front lines

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We are working closely with the Ministry of Health and other healthcare providers to contain the virus, protect and care for patients and keep all our front-line workers healthy.
 

One of the best ways to protect yourself and your family is to have accurate information. 
 

Find answers to questions about the virus on this site. If you have a question that isn’t answered here, use the form below to send it in and stay tuned to this page for updates. For medical advice please contact your doctor.
 

It is important that Ontarians take preventative measures to reduce risks to their health and well being. The risk of transmission is similar to that of the flu. 
 

Simple measures such as hand washing, staying home when you are sick and practicing proper sneezing etiquette go a long way to prevent the transmission of infectious disease. Click here to learn more.

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How dangerous is it?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. Like all viruses, some people who get them experience mild symptoms, and some more severe symptoms. Some coronaviruses spread easily between people, while others do not. 

The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to other respiratory infections, such as influenza, and include things like:

• Fever

• Cough

• Difficulty breathing

 

Your risk of experiencing severe symptoms is higher if you have a weakened immune system. This may be the case for:

• Older people

• People with chronic disease (for example, diabetes, cancer, heart, renal or chronic lung disease)

 

What is the treatment?

Currently, there is no specific treatment for COVID-19. Most people will recover on their own by drinking plenty of fluids, resting as much as possible, and using a humidifier or hot shower to help with a sore throat or cough.

 

Should I wear a facemask?

There is no reason to wear a facemask if you are well. Masks do not generally prevent healthy people from becoming ill. The best way to protect yourself is to wash your hands often. If you have symptoms of a viral illness, then wearing a facemask can help reduce the risk of transmitting it.

 

What should I do if I am feeling sick?

If you have flu-like symptoms and have travelled to an affected area of the world in the last 14 days (or had close contact with someone who has or is suspected of having the virus), you should call your doctor or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000, or contact your local public health unit.
 

You will be asked about your symptoms and travel history and be advised if further steps are needed.

 

How many reported cases are there in Ontario?

Up-to-date information is available from the Government of Ontario

 

How can I protect myself and my family?

Washing your hands with soap frequently and thoroughly, for 20 seconds at a time, especially before eating and coming into your home from outside, is the most important thing you can do to stay healthy.

 

Other measures include:

• Using hand sanitizer to wash your hands if soap and water aren’t available.

• Cleaning and disinfecting common surfaces that a lot of people touch.

• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth with your hands.

• Coughing and sneezing into your upper sleeve or the bend of your arm, not into your hand.

• Avoiding contact with people who are sick and staying home from work or social engagements when you are ill.

 

Make sure to wash your hands properly. Public Health Ontario recommends the following:

• Wet hands with warm water and apply soap.

• Lather soap and rub hands palm to palm, back of hand to palm, and in between and around fingers/thumbs.

• Wash for at least 20 seconds. 

• Rinse thoroughly under running water. 

• Pat hands dry with a paper towel.

• Turn off water using the paper towel.

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Screening Centres

The government says the first wave of such centres will be facilities at William Osler Health System – Peel Memorial site, The Ottawa Hospital, North York General Hospital, Mackenzie Health, Scarborough Health Network, and Trillium Health Partners.

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References:

1.https://www.virusfacts.ca/utm_source=OMA+Member+MailList+2017&utm_campaign=a76bcfb468OMA_Member_Update_04_17_2018_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_52bf5db1f1-a76bcfb468-23784337

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2. https://toronto.citynews.ca/2020/03/12/ontario-covid-assessment-centres/

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