I returned from Riviera Maya on March 13. I have a slight sore throat, but no cough and no fever. Should I consult?

Good evening ma'am,

First, I would like to take this opportunity to remind you that you are currently under quarantine given your return from travel :).

In order to know if you need to consult for your current symptoms, here is the technique to follow:

1. Check your symptoms.

Are you experiencing any of the following symptoms: fever, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, fatigue, sore throat, muscle aches?

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, did you:

- travel outside of Canada OR

- be exposed in a targeted public place (see section Targeted Surveillance) 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 traveled

If you answered YES to any of these statements, proceed 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 visiting your local testing center. Please note that anyone who has been in close contact with a person who is recommended for testing should also be tested. By close contact, we mean 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, the 14-day quarantine is required. Avoid contact with others (especially those over 70), stay home, and then practice hygiene measures diligently. Public transportation is obviously a no-go.

5. Don't panic!

Serious complications from Coronavirus remain rare. The important thing right now is not to infect those around you, and to control the pandemic.

Good evening,

Alexandre Chagnon, pharmacist