ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½

Coronavirus

    • How to treat yourself at home if you have Omicron

    Share

    The number of COVID-19 cases reported Canada-wide seems to have plateaued over the last several weeks, according to data compiled by CTVNews.ca. But as provinces remove more of their pandemic-related restrictions, such as and , experts say this will likely lead to increased transmission of COVID-19.

    “The whole point of masking and all the public health measures is to prevent people from catching COVID,†Dr. Christopher Labos, a cardiologist and epidemiologist based in Montreal, told CTVNews.ca in a phone interview on Tuesday. “It’s the old adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.â€

    Amid the ongoing risk of becoming infected, Canadians may be wondering how to go about treating themselves, should they catch COVID-19. Access to PCR testing remains limited across different provinces, and rapid antigen tests are against the predominant Omicron variant. Still, certain symptoms serve as common indicators of COVID-19 infection. They generally include a runny nose, new or worsening cough, shortness of breath, a body temperature equal to or above 38 C, fatigue and body aches, according to the (PHAC), although symptoms can vary from person to person.

    While may be more likely to experience severe cases of COVID-19 infection, such as those over the age of 60 and anyone who is immunocompromised, most people who have received at least two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine are likely to experience mild disease that doesn’t require hospital treatment, experts say.

    Still, even as restrictions continue to be lifted, it’s important to remember that COVID-19 isn’t gone, said Dr. Kashif Pirzada, an emergency room physician based in Toronto.

    “What happened with the removal of some of the pandemic measures was that people got the idea that it's gone… but it's still out there,†he told CTVNews.ca in a phone interview on Tuesday. “And it still can be dangerous to you.â€

    Here are some steps to take if you become infected with COVID-19, according to infectious disease experts, including how to treat yourself at home:

    START BY SELF-ISOLATING

    For anyone who has been diagnosed with or tested positive for COVID-19, they are , regardless of whether they have symptoms. This also applies to those with COVID-19-like symptoms who previously came into contact with someone who tested positive for the virus.

    “The most important thing, really, is for you to self-isolate and essentially eliminate the number of people that you come into contact with so that the virus doesn't continue to spread,†said Labos.

    Ideally, people should aim to self-isolate in a room where they are separated from everyone they may be living with, Pirzada said. If space is limited and this may not be possible, Pirzada also suggests that everyone at home wear N95 masks to limit further transmission of the virus.

    “A lot of people live in one or two-bedroom apartments or condos, so the space isn't there,†he told CTVNews.ca in a phone interview on Tuesday. “That's when you have to be careful, especially if you have immunocompromised [or] elderly people in your families that need protection.â€

    HAVE PAINKILLERS HANDY AND CONSIDER A PULSE OXIMETER

    For those with mild symptoms, Labos recommends using over-the-counter medications at the appropriate dosage, such as acetaminophen (recognized by the brand name Tylenol) or ibuprofen (known as Advil), to treat the fever that often comes with COVID-19 infection. A cough syrup and decongestant medicine can also help keep any coughing or nasal congestion at bay. These tools don’t necessarily attack the virus, but they can help relieve some of the discomfort it causes, Labos said.

    “It's really just a lot of the stuff that you use for a regular cold that’s designed to make you feel better,†he said. “It's about treating the symptoms of the virus rather than actually treating the virus itself.â€

    Plenty of fluids and healthy foods are also important to avoid becoming dehydrated, said Dr. Dale Kalina, an infectious disease doctor at Joseph Brant Hospital in Burlington, Ont.

    “The body's fighting something off,†he told CTVNews.ca in a phone interview Tuesday. “So extra protein and extra fluid are going to allow the body to use that extra energy that it needs to fight off the infection.â€

    Pirzada also suggests using an air purifier with a high-efficiency particulate absorbing (HEPA) filter to help remove any viral particles that might enter the air when breathing. These devices can be purchased online or made at home using a box fan and furnace filters, he said. If not easily accessible, Pirzada recommends opening a window, if possible, as this can also help improve ventilation.

    Having a pulse oximeter at home would also be useful to calculate the amount of oxygen in a person’s blood without having to draw a blood sample, Pirzada said. If oxygen levels fall below 95 per cent, that would be a sign to visit the hospital, he said.

    “It’s important to check everyday because let's say if your immunity from the vaccine is wearing out… your oxygen levels can drop,†he said. “That's a good thing to check to know when to go to hospital.â€

    Thermometers, tissues and hand sanitizer are other supplies often recommended to keep at home while experiencing a COVID-19 infection. Finally, although it won’t hurt to take vitamin supplements, there’s no evidence to suggest that they will be helpful in combatting COVID-19, said Kalina.

    ARE ANY OTHER AT-HOME TREATMENTS AVAILABLE?

    While treatment options do exist for those infected with COVID-19, they are often reserved for people with severe illness who find themselves in need of hospital care, said Labos.

    “Things like steroids, intravenous antiviral drugs [and] other more advanced therapies are usually only given in hospital because the benefit has been seen only in the sickest people,†he said.

    In January, Paxlovid became the first at-home COVID-19 prescription medication approved for use in Canada. The antiviral treatment is an oral medication used to treat mild to moderate cases of COVID-19, and can only be administered by prescription to adults aged 18 and older. However, its limited supply in Canada has meant that it is being reserved for use by high-risk patients, often those who are unvaccinated or immunocompromised, Labos said. As a result, it not yet widely available to the general population.

    When it comes to treating COVID-19 in those with mild infections, not much can be done aside from supportive care, said Labos.

    “The reality is that for the vast majority of people who get sick with COVID, if they have mild symptoms, the only thing they really can do is stay home, ride out the illness, and wait for their system to essentially clear it so that they're no longer infectious,†said Labos.

    For anyone concerned about their symptoms, Kalina advises that they consult their health-care provider, who may suggest medications that can be taken to relieve symptoms.

    KEEP AN EYE ON SYMPTOMS

    It’s key to continue monitoring for symptoms after they first begin to appear, said Labos. According to PHAC, people may start experiencing symptoms from one to 14 days after initial exposure to the virus, with symptoms generally appearing between three and seven days after exposure.

    Different provincial governments have different requirements for self-isolating after exposure to COVID-19. In , residents are expected to quarantine for at least five or 10 days, depending on their vaccination status, and must continue isolating if symptoms haven’t improved or if they continue to have a fever. Residents of , and must all follow similar protocols. In , however, the requirement is to self-isolate for seven days from the onset of symptoms, regardless of vaccination status.

    Overall, experts recommend that those who have tested positive for COVID-19 wait at least seven to 10 before ending their self-isolation period, regardless of whether they are vaccinated. This is to avoid unintentionally infecting anyone they may come into contact with after recovery, Labos said.

    “I would say give it at least a good week to make sure your symptoms have completely resolved, and then you can be relatively confident that the virus has left your system,†he said.

    GO TO A HOSPITAL IF SYMPTOMS GET WORSE

    If your symptoms begin to get worse, you should immediately contact your health-care provider or local public health authority about next steps.

    For those experiencing severe symptoms, they should call 911 and seek urgent medical care, according to PHAC. These symptoms include chest pain or pressure, the onset of confusion, and most importantly, difficulty breathing or severe shortness of breath.

    “If you have trouble breathing at any point while you're infected, that's a sign you need to go to hospital,†said Pirzada. “If you notice that your fingers are turning blue or your lips are turning blue [and] you’re getting winded doing basic activities… those are all signs that something is seriously wrong. You're not having a mild infection, you need to go to hospital.â€

    WHAT QUESTIONS DO YOU HAVE ABOUT OMICRON?

    With the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant of concern, labelled Omicron, CTVNews.ca wants to hear from Canadians with any questions.

    Tell us what you’d like to know when it comes to the Omicron COVID-19 variant.

    To submit your question, email us at dotcom@bellmedia.ca with your name, location and question. Your comments may be used in a CTVNews.ca story.

    CTVNews.ca ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½

    The province's public security minister said he was "shocked" Thursday amid reports that a body believed to be that of a 14-year-old boy was found this week near a Hells Angels hideout near Quebec City.

    Shamattawa RCMP are searching for a missing six-year-old boy who hasn’t been seen since Wednesday morning.

    B.C.'s police watchdog is investigating the death of a woman who was shot by the RCMP after allegedly barricading herself in a room with a toddler early Thursday morning.

    Quebec Premier Francois Legault is calling on the Bloc Quebecois to topple the Trudeau government next Wednesday and trigger a federal election.

    Canada

    • B.C.'s police watchdog is investigating the death of a woman who was shot by the RCMP after allegedly barricading herself in a room with a toddler early Thursday morning.

    • Shamattawa RCMP are searching for a missing six-year-old boy who hasn’t been seen since Wednesday morning.

    • Friends and strangers have set up a makeshift memorial outside the home of a five-year-old boy who was found dead yesterday in Coteau-du-lac.

    • The lawyer for a B.C. RCMP officer convicted of obstruction for telling a witness to delete cellphone video following the violent 2017 arrest of Dale Culver has requested a stay of proceedings.

    • The province's public security minister said he was "shocked" Thursday amid reports that a body believed to be that of a 14-year-old boy was found this week near a Hells Angels hideout near Quebec City.

    World

    Politics

    Health

    Sci-Tech

    Entertainment

    • Lawyers representing the producers of 'Russians at War' say they may pursue legal action against Ontario's public broadcaster for pulling support for the controversial documentary amid outcry from the Ukrainian community and some Canadian politicians.

    • Viewers of Jeopardy got a chance to test their knowledge of trivia about B.C.'s biggest city Wednesday night.

    Business

    Lifestyle

    • Only one Toronto restaurant earned a Michelin star this year, but it is not a first for the chef who brought the establishment to stardom.

    • They say a dog is a man’s best friend. In the case of Darren Cropper, from Bonfield, Ont., his three-year-old Siberian husky and golden retriever mix named Bear literally saved his life.

    Sports

    • Vancouver Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko says he's been working his way back from a rare lower-body muscle injury since being sidelined in last season's playoffs.

    • Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette returned to the 10-day injured list Thursday due to a right middle finger fracture.

    Autos

    • Video of a brazen daylight auto theft which shows a suspect running over a victim in a stolen luxury SUV has been released by police west of Toronto.

    • The plant was expected to produce batteries for a million electric vehicles a year. Once up and running, it was supposed to create hundreds of permanent jobs in a small southeastern Ontario municipality. But two years later, spending on the construction of the Umicore plant has been delayed in what the company calls a "significant worsening of the EV market context."

    • A Winnipeg man is asking for help after a classic car that has been a part of his family since the 1950s was stolen from his garage.

    Local Spotlight

    They say a dog is a man’s best friend. In the case of Darren Cropper, from Bonfield, Ont., his three-year-old Siberian husky and golden retriever mix named Bear literally saved his life.

    Paleontologists from the Royal B.C. Museum have uncovered "a trove of extraordinary fossils" high in the mountains of northern B.C., the museum announced Thursday.

    The search for a missing ancient 28-year-old chocolate donkey ended with a tragic discovery Wednesday.

    The Royal Canadian Mounted Police is celebrating an important milestone in the organization's history: 50 years since the first women joined the force.

    It's been a whirlwind of joyful events for a northern Ontario couple who just welcomed a baby into their family and won the $70 million Lotto Max jackpot last month.

    A Good Samaritan in New Brunswick has replaced a man's stolen bottle cart so he can continue to collect cans and bottles in his Moncton neighbourhood.

    David Krumholtz, known for roles like Bernard the Elf in The Santa Clause and physicist Isidor Rabi in Oppenheimer, has spent the latter part of his summer filming horror flick Altar in Winnipeg. He says Winnipeg is the most movie-savvy town he's ever been in.

    Edmontonians can count themselves lucky to ever see one tiger salamander, let alone the thousands one local woman says recently descended on her childhood home.

    A daytrip to the backcountry turned into a frightening experience for a Vancouver couple this weekend.

    • B.C.'s police watchdog is investigating the death of a woman who was shot by the RCMP after allegedly barricading herself in a room with a toddler early Thursday morning.

    • Since she was a young girl growing up in Vancouver, Ginny Lam says her mom Yat Hei Law made it very clear she favoured her son William, because he was her male heir.

    • The 'Namgis First Nation says a fish farm it owns near Port McNeill shows the potential of land-based aquaculture in B.C.

    • Toronto police are asking for the public's help in identifying one of the suspected shooters in Tuesday's fatal double shooting in North York.

    • A pedestrian has been seriously injured after being struck by a vehicle in North York.

    • Students across York Region will once again see uniformed officers at school, however police and board officials say they will only be stopping by for the occasional safety presentation.

    • We've produced a special webcast edition of CTV News Calgary for Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024.

    • The Parole Board of Canada says a man who assaulted a young pregnant woman and left her for dead remains too dangerous to be released into the community.

    • A Vulcan, Alta., man has been charged with a Lethbridge woman's murder after her body was found in the Oyen area.

    • Police say a man who was taken to hospital in critical condition after being shot Thursday night has died.

    • A byelection was called for the Bay of Quinte riding less than a week after Progressive Conservative MPP Todd Smith, Ontario's education minister at the time, resigned his seat in August.

    • CTVNewsOttawa.ca looks at things to do in Ottawa and eastern Ontario this weekend.

    • Quebec Premier Francois Legault is calling on the Bloc Quebecois to topple the Trudeau government next Wednesday and trigger a federal election.

    • A harrowing video has been presented to a jury at the trial of three men facing first-degree murder charges.

    • The province's public security minister said he was "shocked" Thursday amid reports that a body believed to be that of a 14-year-old boy was found this week near a Hells Angels hideout near Quebec City.

    • Five bison are dead at Elk Island National Park east of Edmonton following an early Thursday morning collision.

    • An Edmonton man who is charged with sexually assaulting a teen boy is a member of the Alberta sheriffs, CTV News Edmonton has confirmed.

    • The mayor of Fort Saskatchewan apologized on Thursday for comments she made earlier this week about killing feral cats.

    • New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs has called for a provincial election. Voters will go to the polls on Oct. 21, as prescribed by the province's fixed-date election law.

    • Police are asking people to avoid the Dartmouth Commons area in Dartmouth, N.S., as they assist with a wildlife call for a bear.

    • An 83-year-old man is facing sexual interference charges following a Nova Scotia RCMP investigation.

    • Manitobans are continuing to mop up after a deluge of rain hit southern Manitoba earlier in the week.

    • Shamattawa RCMP are searching for a missing six-year-old boy who hasn’t been seen since Wednesday morning.

    • A Winnipeg pet rescue is putting out a warning to dog owners across the city about a possible parvovirus in the province.

    • A social media post of purple apples “growing†in Saskatchewan has sparked a lot of attention. However, garden experts say there's no such thing.

    • A case involving stolen funds from a Saskatchewan business being used to purchase cryptocurrency will be heading back to the courts, thanks to a new decision by Saskatchewan's Court of Appeal.

    • Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) has confirmed a tornado touched down Wednesday evening near Langbank, Sask.

    • Amber and Adam Brueckner have a pool-shaped hole in their backyard – and their wallets.

    • New details have been shared about a missing family that was last seen on Sept. 1 in Kitchener, Ont.

    • Police are trying to identify a man who approached a woman and child in Wellesley.

    • A gym teacher at a private Christian school in Saskatoon has been charged. Terra MacEwan, 44, is charged with assault with a weapon. A Saskatoon mother who spoke with CTV News says her autistic son was MacEwan's victim.

    • Thomas Hamp says he believed secret police were out to kidnap, torture, and kill him when he fatally stabbed his girlfriend Emily Sanche in February of 2022.

    • A social media post of purple apples “growing†in Saskatchewan has sparked a lot of attention. However, garden experts say there's no such thing.

    • They say a dog is a man’s best friend. In the case of Darren Cropper, from Bonfield, Ont., his three-year-old Siberian husky and golden retriever mix named Bear literally saved his life.

    • As northern Ontario gets ready to welcome autumn this weekend, it’s still feeling a lot like summer as provincial forest fire crews continue to battle blazes.

    • James Bay Ontario Provincial Police have charged four commercial vehicle drivers with impaired, including one who was hauling 36,000 kilograms of ammonia hydrate.

    • A Woodstock homeowner says she’s at her wit’s end over a homeless encampment situated alongside her backyard. She’s calling on the city to do more to help those living rough, so she can live in peace.

    • Police were focusing their attention on the northeast corner of Richmond and Horton, with members of the emergency response unit taking up positions at the scene.

    • A union representative says someone driving a pick-up truck with heavily tinted windows rammed a member on Western Road, near Elborn College.

    • Two men from Barrie have been charged after a deadly shooting at a park in Keswick on Wednesday.

    • A growing group of brides and wedding photographers from across the province say they have been taken for tens of thousands of dollars by a Barrie, Ont. wedding photographer.

    • A 32-year-old man is facing charges after police say his vehicle struck a child in an Owen Sound intersection.

    • The Windsor Police Service (WPS) has seized over $56,000 in drugs and have arrested one suspect.

    • SERVEONE Canada, a global procurement solution company, has begun Canadian operations in Tecumseh.

    • Enrolment may be down at St. Clair College, but President Mike Silvaggi isn’t bothered.

    • In a rare move, the Greater Victoria School District Board of Education has been slapped with a ministerial order from the province requiring it to update a student safety plan – drawing concern around political posturing leading up to an election.

    • The Union of B.C. Municipalities is asking the provincial government to make transit free for teenagers.

    • To appreciate why Mimi Vandermolen is so pleased to notice one particular vehicle she’s walking past, you need to know that seeing this many cars in one place would have been unimaginable when she was growing-up in the post-war Netherlands.

    • A pair of runaway pigs are in the custody of an animal sanctuary in the Okanagan after evading police and volunteers for hours earlier this week.

    • The Red Bridge, a historic landmark in Kamloops, B.C., was completely destroyed by fire early Thursday morning.

    • Animal protection officers in British Columbia have rescued three pit bulls – including one that gave birth to 10 puppies – from a rat-infested home in Kelowna.

    • A Vulcan, Alta., man has been charged with a Lethbridge woman's murder after her body was found in the Oyen area.

    • A Lethbridge couple got a good reminder as to why you should keep your vehicle doors locked at all times.

    • Lethbridge residents who live near the police range can expect to hear plenty of shots fired Wednesday and Thursday.

    • A new community health profile in the Algoma District shows the area is significantly below provincial averages in a number of health metrics.

    • North Bay Police Service says one person has died following an industrial accident at the Ontario Northland Transportation Commission Rail Yard on Tuesday.

    • Three northern Ontario residents are charged with drug trafficking after the vehicle they were in got stuck along a bush road off Highway 17 on Monday.

    N.L.

    Shopping Trends

    The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.

    Stay Connected
    Follow CTV News