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If you have COVID-19 or think you might, you can expect the illness to go away on its own in about 10 to 14 days. Most people (about 80%) recover from COVID-19 without special treatment. But COVID-19 can cause serious illness. Older adults and people with other medical problems are more likely to get very sick. This can include trouble breathing and pneumonia.
There is a risk of death in severe cases of COVID-19.
COVID-19 symptoms are a lot like symptoms of the flu (influenza) or other illnesses that affect the lungs and airways (called respiratory illnesses). These symptoms include:
If you have any of these symptoms and are 18 years or older, you must self-isolate for at least 10 days after your symptoms started or until your symptoms are gone, whichever is longer.
If you are under 18 years old or are going to high school, follow the self-isolation advice on the daily screening checklist.
If you are tested, follow instructions at ahs.ca/results based on your test results.
Other symptoms can include:
If you have any of the other symptoms, stay home and limit your contact with others until your symptoms go away.
While you’re self-isolating with COVID-19 symptoms, there are things you can do at home to help yourself feel better:
Learn how to protect yourself and others while caring for someone with COVID-19 at home. See https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/topics/Page17026.aspx. Complete COVID-19 resources are available at AHS.ca/covid.
If you think you might have COVID-19, take the COVID-19 Self-Assessment. This online assessment will help you know if you need a COVID-19 test.
Call Health Link at 811 as soon as you have symptoms. Call ahead from home before going to a healthcare facility, such as a doctor’s office or walk-in clinic.
Call 911 if you are seriously ill and need medical help right away. Tell them that you may have COVID-19.
For example, call 911 if:
Call your doctor or Health Link at 811 or get medical care right away if:
To see this information online and learn more, visit MyHealth.Alberta.ca/Alberta/Pages/How-to-manage-symptoms.aspx.
For 24/7 nurse advice and general health information call Health Link at 811.
Current as of: Nov 2, 2020
Author: Adapted from Healthwise
Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.