What are the symptoms of Novel Corona Virus Infection? 

It can take up to 14 days for symptoms of Coronavirus to appear. The most common symptoms of Coronavirus are:

  • A cough – this can be any kind of cough, not just dry

  • Shortness of breath

  • Fever (high temperature)

  • Some reports of isolated diarrhea which comes before the cough and fever

If you have any of these symptoms and have been to a place where there is spread of coronavirus, read this advice.

What we know so far:

The risk in Canada is currently low to moderate that you will be in contact with someone with COVID-19. This situation is likely to change over the coming months. Contact is currently defined as closer than 2 metres for 15 minutes, face to face contact or living in the same house as someone who is infected. Most patients will have a mild illness and recover. The time from exposure to the onset of symptoms is 5-6 days.

Risk factors for more severe infections that have been identified include:

  • Age over 60

  • High Blood Pressure

  • Diabetes

  • Chronic heart and lung disease

How should I protect myself?

  • Get Vaccinated. The absolute best way to protect yourself is to receive the SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine. Click here for more information.

  • COVID-19 is transmitted largely by aerosols. We advise all of our patients to continue to wear masks inside public spaces. An N95 mask offers the best protection against COVID-19. We buy our N95 masks from Canadastrongmasks.ca.

  • Wash your hands properly and often. Soap and water is just as good as hand sanitizer. Wash for at least 20-30 seconds.

  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough and sneeze.

  • Put used tissues into a bin and wash your hands.

  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

  • Avoid close contact with people who are not well.

  • Limit all non-essential travel.

  • Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.

  • Do not share objects that touch your mouth – for example, bottles, cups.

  • Stay at home if you are sick to help stop the spread of whatever infection you may have.

Is there anything else I do?

Get Vaccinated. The absolute best way to protect yourself is to receive the SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine. Click here for more information. Please ensure that you have received all appropriate vaccinations, including seasonal influenza and pneumonia vaccines if you are on immunosuppressive therapies. These will not prevent COVID-19, but may lessen the chance of a secondary infection and will prevent illnesses that could be confused with COVID-19.

Should I stop my immunosuppressive treatment?

Because many of the treatments (including prednisone, biologic therapies and disease modifying drugs) used in arthritis and autoimmune disease suppress the immune system many patients have asked if they should stop their treatment.

Our advice (reflected by advice from international rheumatology representative bodies) is that you should remain on treatment (see below). The COVID 19 epidemic may last several months and if you stop your medicine you will likely have a flare. You will then need to restart your medicine and perhaps need to take more intensive treatment.

If you have any further questions about this please contact our office.

What if I develop an infection on treatment?

Our current advice that you should postpone your treatment should you develop an infection (with the exception of prednisone which you should continue) until the infection has adequately been dealt with. As with all infections on immunosuppressive therapy we would advise seeking medical attention for any illness you would normally contact your family doctor about.

Additionally, if you are directly exposed to someone with Novel Corona Virus infection / COVID-19 it makes sense to postpone your treatment (again with the exception of prednisone) until you have been assessed to exclude an infection.

To clarify, we do not recommend abruptly stopping prednisone as you could have withdrawal symptoms.

What about attending Mass gatherings?

You should avoid mass gatherings.

What about foreign travel?

Our group has made the decision to cancel all non-essential travel. It would make sense for the moment, particularly if you are on biologic therapies, prednisone or particularly if you have any other risk factors for serious infection (Age > 60, significant chest problems, high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes) that you should avoid any unnecessary travel. Some common sense and discretion is advised but again, err on the side of caution.