Sore throat and Covid-19?

Hello. Here is the first part of the answer to your question:

Before you go to a screening clinic, you should check your risk level for coronavirus.

1. Check your symptoms

Do you have any of the following symptoms: fever, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, fatigue, sore throat, muscle pain?

If YES, go to step 2.

If NO, follow the hygiene measures found in the "For Everyone" section.

2. Check your exposure.

In the 14 days prior to the onset of symptoms, have you:

- travelled outside of Canada OR

- been exposed in a targeted public place (see Targeted Surveillance section) OR

- been in close contact with a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19 OR

- been in close contact with a person with acute respiratory illness who has travelled

If you answered YES to any of these statements, go to Step 3.

3. Call 1-877-644-4545.

Since you answered YES to questions 1 and 2, you are at risk for infection. You must call 1-877-644-4545 before going to the testing center in your area. Please note that anyone who has been in close contact with a person who is recommended for testing should also be tested. Close contact means that they have spent more than 2 hours in the same room as a person to be screened.

4. Hygiene measures

If you have flu-like symptoms, quarantine for 14 days is required. Avoid contact with others (especially people over 70 years of age), stay home, and then practice good hygiene. Do not use public transportation

5. Do not panic!

Serious complications from the Coronavirus are rare. The important thing now is not to contaminate those around you and to control the pandemic.

For your sore throat, lozenges such as Halls or Fisherman's Friend can help. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) may also provide longer lasting relief. Your pharmacist will be able to suggest the product and dosage according to your condition and needs.

I am available if you have any further questions

Tom Samaha, pharmacist, with the help of Alexandre Chagnon, pharmacist.