If you have even one of these COVID-19 symptoms, seek assessment and testing

Anyone who exhibits even one symptom of COVID-19—and there are more than you might be aware of—should seek assessment for the disease.

In a media briefing today, Dr. Charles Gardner, the medical officer of health for Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) reiterated that it’s important for anyone with symptoms to seek testing so that they have a better picture of how prevalent the disease is in our area and can assist those who do test positive with self-isolation measures.

Although testing had been prioritized in the past, there is currently capacity in the system for more testing.

Also today, the Muskoka COVID-19 Assessment Centres released an update encouraging that individuals seek testing if they exhibit symptoms.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms below, contact your doctor or nurse practitioner’s office, or if you don’t have a primary care provider you can book an appointment by calling the assessment centres in Muskoka, Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at 1-888-383-7009. (Note that the Muskoka assessment centres will be closed on Victoria Day, Monday, May 18.) The assessment centres are not open for walk-in visits.

Common symptoms of COVID-19 are:
• Fever (temperature of 37.8°C or greater)
• New or worsening cough
• Shortness of breath

Other symptoms of COVID-19 can include:
• Sore throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• New smell or taste disorder(s)
• Nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain
• Runny nose or nasal congestion in the absence of an underlying reason for these symptoms such as seasonal allergies or post-nasal drip

Other signs of COVID-19 can include:
• Clinical or radiological evidence of pneumonia

Atypical symptoms/signs of COVID-19 should be considered, particularly in children, older persons, and people living with a developmental disability. Atypical symptoms can include:
• Unexplained fatigue/malaise
• Delirium (acutely altered mental status and inattention)
• Unexplained or increased number of falls
• Acute functional decline
• Exacerbation of chronic conditions
• Chills
• Headaches
• Croup
• Conjunctivitis

If you are tested, you can check your results from home on the Province’s COVID-19 Test Results Viewer. Results are often returned within 48 hours, but the assessment centre notes that it may take up to seven days to receive your results.