Here’s What To Do if You Get COVID

Posted on by Nadia Pestrak

Doctors Nova Scotia recently shared a blog post entitled, “What To Do if You Get COVID.”

They write, “After more than two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, and with the recent lifting of protective measures including mask mandates for most public places, it might seem like it’s not a matter of IF you get the virus, but WHEN.”

Here’s what Doctors Nova Scotia recommend:

  1. Take common-sense preventative measures: get vaccinated, wear a mask, wash your hands and keep social circles small.  Time for you to get a vaccination or booster?  You can find out how to make an appointment here.
  1. If you think you might have COVID, get tested.  Even if your symptoms are mild, it’s important to test within 48 hours of noticing symptoms to meet the time-frame criteria for COVID-19 medication.  You can find out about testing here.
  1. If you are positive, consider reporting your results with your local health authority.  You can contact them here. Nova Scotia, for instance, has a ‘Report and Support Screening.’  As well as providing valuable information to public health, this process can help you identify if you are eligible for COVID treatment medication.
  1. Contact your family doctor if you are eligible for Paxlovid.  Paxlovid is an oral antiviral treatment that can be taken at home.  It prevents high-risk COVID-19 patients from becoming sick enough to be hospitalized.
  1. Mask up to protect others in your household, particularly if they are unvaccinated (including young children below the age of vaccination) or older or immunocompromised individuals. 
  1. If you have COVID and you worsen and/or have difficulty breathing or experience chest pain, go to your nearest Emergency Department to be assessed.