Share your experiences and feelings - we're all in this together ❤️

@Elsa

Your sister might have mild symptoms but she can still infect other people she comes in contact with especially young kids and the elderly. How did the doctor come up with the diagnosis without the testing? From what I heard, the symptoms are similar to influenza. Your sister should watch out for any changes in her condition. No one really knows what exactly this virus is and what the long term effects it has on someone who has been infected.

This COVID-19 really scares the heck out of me. I've never been sick in so many years, with no fever, no colds, no coughing at all. Right now, I've never been out since my son and I went grocery shopping 3 weeks ago. I ran out of paper towels so I just ordered online. I still have an unopened package of toilet paper. Charmin was out of stock when I ordered online 2 days ago..

I am glad you like my profile photo.

How coronavirus spreads

Human coronaviruses cause infections of the nose, throat and lungs. They are most commonly spread from an infected person through:

• respiratory droplets generated when you cough or sneeze
• close, prolonged personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
• touching something with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose or eyes before washing your hands

Current evidence suggests person-to-person spread is efficient when there is close contact.

Preventing coronavirus

At this time, there is no vaccine for COVID-19 or any natural health products that are authorized to protect against it.

If you have travelled outside of Canada

Federal and provincial public health leaders have recommended that all travellers from outside of Canada self-isolate for 14 days. These efforts will contribute to slow the introduction and spread of COVID-19 in Canada.

If you have COVID-19, reduce contact with others

If you are sick, the following steps will help to reduce contact with others:

• stay at home and self-isolate (unless directed to seek medical care)
  • if you must leave your home, wear a mask or cover your mouth and nose with tissues, and maintain a 2-metre distance from others
• avoid individuals in hospitals and long-term care centres, especially older adults and those with chronic conditions or compromised immune systems
• avoid having visitors to your home
• cover your mouth and nose with your arm when coughing and sneezing
• have supplies delivered to your home instead of running errands
  • supplies should be dropped off outside to ensure a 2-metre distance

Self-monitor, self-isolate and isolate

There is a difference between advice to self-monitor, advice to self-isolate and advice to isolate. It is important to note these measures are in place to protect the health and safety of Canadians.

 Self-monitor

 Self-isolate

 Isolate

Hygiene

Proper hygiene can help reduce the risk of infection or spreading infection to others:

• wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the washroom and when preparing food
  • use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
• when coughing or sneezing:
  • cough or sneeze into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand
  • dispose of any tissues you have used as soon as possible in a lined waste basket and wash your hands afterwards
• avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
• clean the following high-touch surfaces frequently with regular household cleaners or diluted bleach (1 part bleach to 9 parts water):
  • toys
  • toilets
  • phones
  • electronics
  • door handles
  • bedside tables
  • television remotes

Being prepared

It is important to know how you can prepare in case you or a family member become ill.

Wearing masks

If you are a healthy individual, the use of a mask is not recommended for preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Wearing a mask when you are not ill may give a false sense of security. There is a potential risk of infection with improper mask use and disposal. They also need to be changed frequently.

However, your health care provider may recommend you wear a mask if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 while you are seeking or waiting for care. In this instance, masks are an appropriate part of infection prevention and control measures. The mask acts as a barrier and helps stop the tiny droplets from spreading you when you cough or sneeze.

You don't know all the words to the anthem? I had to learn it in school and it stuck in my head. I'm listening to a YouTube song now otherwise I'd recite it. LOL! I think that's funny that you can sing the birthday song twice.