The virus can spread from an infected person’s mouth or nose in small liquid particles when they cough, sneeze, speak, sing or breathe. These particles range from larger respiratory droplets to smaller aerosols. It is important to practice respiratory etiquette, for example by coughing into a flexed elbow, and to stay home and self-isolate until you recover if you feel unwell.

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 the possible symptoms. For more information, click here.

Influenza (Flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by infection with a coronavirus named SARS-CoV-2, and flu is caused by infection with influenza viruses. You cannot tell the difference between flu and COVID-19 by symptoms alone because some of the symptoms are the same.

Some people still experience physical or psychological symptoms more than 12 weeks after getting COVID-19. This is called post COVID-19 condition (also known as long COVID).

Post COVID-19 condition may occur in some people weeks or months after their initial infection. People who have been hospitalized or who needed intensive care during recovery appear to be at greater risk of experiencing longer-term effects. Post COVID-19 condition is also observed in people who didn’t have symptoms or had only mild to moderate symptoms during initial infection.

People may experience post COVID-19 condition symptoms even if they weren’t formally tested and diagnosed with COVID-19. This may have been due to limited testing capacity during the pandemic.

Post COVID-19 condition is not COVID-19. Symptoms can be quite different from those experienced during the initial infection. It refers to the longer-term effects some people experience after their COVID-19 infection.

The condition can impact both adults and children. Symptoms can sometimes disappear and reappear without having another diagnosis to explain them. Some patients report that over-exertion (both mental and physical) may make the condition worse.

For more information on post COVID-19 condition, click here.

There are many ways your actions can help protect you, your household, and your community from severe illness from COVID-19.

In addition to basic health and hygiene practices, like handwashing, prevention actions include:

• Wearing a mask when you are in crowds
• Staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and boosters
• Avoiding contact with people who have suspected or confirmed COVID-19
• Getting tested for COVID-19 if needed
• Staying home if you have suspected or confirmed COVID-19
• Seeking treatment if you have COVID-19 and are at high risk of getting very sick

Wearing a high-quality mask along with vaccination, self-testing, and physical distancing, helps protect you and others by reducing the chance of spreading COVID-19.

While all masks and respirators provide some level of protection, properly fitting respirators provide the highest level of protection.

Layered prevention strategies — like staying up to date on vaccines and wearing masks — can help prevent severe illness and reduce the potential for strain on the health-care system.

In Canada, all children and youth aged 6 months to 17 years can receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Only mRNA vaccines are approved for use in children and youth.

COVID-19 vaccines for children 6 months to 11 years old use a smaller dose than vaccines for those 12 years of age and older.

COVID-19 vaccines are clinically proven to be safe, effective, and life saving.

The Government of New Brunswick has partnered with community pharmacies in the province to provide the majority of appointments for New Brunswickers to get vaccinated.  The process for booking can vary from pharmacy to pharmacy. Some pharmacies offer online scheduling, while others require that you call to book your appointment.

The Regional Health Authorities (Horizon and Vitalité) will continue to offer some vaccination clinics in certain locations around the province, including Grand Manan.  These clinics are available for those aged 6 months and older based on community demand.

To book an appointment at a pharmacy or at a vaccination clinic, visit the Government of New Brunswick website.

Public Heath recommends that all New-Brunswickers aged 12 and over receive a booster dose regardless of the number of previous booster doses received, if 5 months (minimum of 3 months) has passed since your last COVID-19 vaccine (or infection).

Children aged between 5-11 continue to be eligible for their first booster dose.

You can now book an appointment to pick up a rapid test kit even if you don’t have symptoms, to use if symptoms develop at later date. To schedule a pick-up in your area, visit the Government of New Brunswick website.