Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19

• What is COVID-19?

  Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
  
  Most people infected with the virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. However, some will become seriously ill and require medical attention. Older people and those with underlying medical conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, or cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.

• Does the Huronia NPLC provide Rapid Testing Kits?

  Yes, the Huronia NPLC has Rapid Antigen Self Administered Test Kits available for our patients. Please note, there is a limit of ONE per household due to supply. Please contact our administrative team at 705-835-7545 to have one set aside for pick up or ask at your next booked appointment.

• Who is considered high risk?

  Some people are at higher risk of more severe disease or outcomes from COVID-19 infection than others.
  
  An individual may be at higher risk if they:

  • are an older adult (increasing risk with each decade, especially over 60 years)

  • are pregnant

  • have Down syndrome

  • haven’t received all of the recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses

  • have a chronic medical condition, including:

    -asthma (moderate to severe)

    -dementia

    -diabetes

    -heart disease

    -high blood pressure

    -kidney disease

    -liver disease

    -lung disease

    -stroke

  • are immunocompromised, including if they:

    -have an underlying medical condition, such as cancer

    -take medications that reduce the immune response, such as chemotherapy

    -have had a solid organ or blood stem cell transplant

  • live with obesity (if you have a body mass index [BMI] of 40 or more)

• What are symptoms of COVID-19?

  People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms.
  Possible symptoms include:

  • Fever or chills

  • Cough

  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

  • Fatigue

  • Muscle or body aches

  • Headache

  • New loss of taste or smell

  • Sore throat

  • Congestion or runny nose

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Diarrhea

  
  This list does not include all possible symptoms.Symptoms may change with new COVID-19 variants and can vary depending on vaccination status. The CDC will continue to update this list as they learn more about COVID-19. Older adults and people who have underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes are at higher risk for getting very sick from COVID-19.

• How long after COVID-19 can someone continue to test positive?

  Some tests, especially PCR tests, may continue to show a positive result for up to 90 days.

• What can someone do to prevent the spread of the infection?

  Individuals that have tested positive for COVID-19 should do the following to prevent onward transmission:
  

  • Stay at home until symptoms resolve

  • Avoid close contact with others especially those at high risk for severe COVID-19

  • Avoid close contact such as kissing or sharing drinks

  • Cover coughs and sneezes

  • Wash hands with soap and water or disinfect with an alcohol-based hand rub regularly

  • Limit the number of people you see within the 10 day period after the onset of symptoms or a positive test

  • Wipe down surfaces that are frequently touched or shared (doorknobs, remote controls) with a standard household disinfectant

• Where can I get my COVID vaccine?

  There are many places in the community to get a COVID-19 vaccine this fall/winter.
  
  To book an appointment use the COVID-19 Vaccination Portal or the Provincial Vaccine Contact Centre (1-833-943-3900). Please note appointments are only made available one month in advance so please check back frequently if there are no appointments available for your preferred date.

  1. Barrie Community Clinic Appointment only at this time
     This clinic is operated by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit
     Location: 29 Sperling Drive, Barrie, ON, L4M 6K9
     Monday to Friday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
     

  2. Health Unit Offices
     Appointments are available to get your COVID-19 vaccine at our health unit offices listed below.
     Walk-ins are not accepted at health unit office locations
     
     Collingwood 280 Pretty River Parkway, Collingwood, ON, L9Y 4J7
     Cookstown 2-25 King Street South, Cookstown, ON, L0L 1L0
     Gravenhurst 2-5 Pineridge Gate, Gravenhurst, ON, P1P 1Z3
     Huntsville 34 Chaffey Street, Huntsville, ON, P1H 1K1
     Midland A-925 Hugel Avenue, Midland, ON, L4R 1X6
     Orillia 120-169 Front Street South, Orillia, ON, L3V 4S8
     

  3. Pop-Up Clinics Appointment only at this time
     Click here to find a list of the upcoming Pop-Up Clinics near you.

  5. Pharmacies
     Click here to find the closest pharmacy to get a COVID-19 vaccine.
     **Most pharmacies book appointments ahead of time and some allow walk-ins. Please make sure to check with the pharmacy first***

• How to prepare for a COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment

  • Complete the online COVID-19 self-assessment before arriving at the clinic. Do not attend a vaccine clinic if you are not feeling well.

  • All persons attending a Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit community, office or school-based vaccination clinic will be required to wear a mask. Masks will be made available at the entrance to all our clinics.

  • Bring the following items with you:

    -Health card or other form of identification (e.g., driver’s license, passport etc)

    -Out of province vaccine records (if applicable)

    -Assistive devices as needed (e.g., wheelchair, cane, glasses, hearing aid, etc.)

  • Avoid using any scented products (e.g., perfume, scented deodorant, body spray, etc.) on the day of your appointment. Our clinics strive to be scent neutral for those individuals who are scent sensitive.

  • Take any regular medication and eat meals as usual.

  • Bring a list of any medications you are taking.

  • Make sure to wear a loose-fitting shirt that allows easy access to your upper arm.

• What is the recommended treatment for COVID-19?

  Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and can recover at home. They can treat symptoms with over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to help feel better.
  Paxlovid is a recommended medication because it has shown its effectiveness at preventing the progression of the disease and hospitalization. Please contact your pharmacy directly to see if you qualify for this medication.