Am I Eligible for Treatment for COVID-19?

Here are something things you should know if you have symptoms of COVID-19.

• Most people with COVID-19 just need to self-isolate, rest, drink plenty of fluids, and take analgesics like Tylenol (acetaminophen) as needed for headaches, fevers, or muscle aches.

• Anti-viral treatments are now available for patients with COVID-19 symptoms who are at higher risk of severe illness.

• COVID-19 treatment must be taken within 5 days of your symptoms starting.

• If you are at higher risk, even if you have mild symptoms, call our office or find a local testing center right away.

• Find out if you are eligible for treatment by using the province's screening tool, here.

What do I do if I have COVID-19 symptoms?

1. Self-isolate right away.

2. Find out if you are at higher risk of serious illness and are thus eligible for treatment (See below)

3. Use a rapid test, if you have one.

   1. Note that rapid tests can be negative in the early stages of illness.

4. If you do not have a rapid test or your test is negative and you are at higher risk call our office right away or find a local testing center so you can get tested, assessed, and provided treatment or a prescription if needed.

If you have one or more of the following symptoms you should immediately call 911 or go to the emergency department:

• severe difficulty breathing (struggling for each breath, can only speak in single words)

• severe chest pain (constant tightness or crushing sensation)

• feeling confused or unsure of where you are

• losing consciousness

Am I Eligible for Anti-Viral Treatment?

If you have COVID-19, you may be eligible for anti-viral treatment if:

1. You are 18 or older and are immunocompromised (you have an immune system that is weakened by a health condition or medication);

2. You are 60 or older and have fewer than three COVID-19 vaccine doses

3. You are 18 or older, with fewer than three COVID-19 vaccine doses AND another risk condition

4. You are 70 or older.

Use this Screening tool to find out if you might be eligible for COVID-19 treatment

I think I'm eligible - How do I get COVID-19 treatment?

Treatment must be started within 5 days of your symptoms beginning, so don't delay.

Even if you have mild symptoms, if you think you might be eligible for COVID-19 treatment, give our office a call OR visit a local testing center.

Our office and clinical testing centers are where you can get assessed, tested, and given treatment options for COVID-19. Find a local testing center location using this link

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More information about COVID-19 testing and treatment can be found on the Ottawa Public Health website, here.