{"id":13775,"date":"2020-04-07T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-04-07T04:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.diabete.qc.ca\/covid-19-update\/"},"modified":"2023-06-13T14:28:57","modified_gmt":"2023-06-13T18:28:57","slug":"covid-19-update","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.diabete.qc.ca\/en\/covid-19-update\/","title":{"rendered":"COVID-19 update"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is the disease caused by SARS-coV-2, a virus in the coronavirus family. The coronavirus family is known to cause symptoms that can range from a simple cold to severe respiratory complications. The COVID-19 outbreak reportedly started in the city of Wuhan, China, in December 2019 and was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Symptoms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>COVID-19 symptoms can vary from person to person. The most common are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fever;\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>in children: 38\u00b0 C (100.4 \u00b0F) or higher (rectal temperature)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>in adults: 38\u00b0 C (100.4 \u00b0F) or higher (oral temperature)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>in the elderly: 37.8\u00b0 C (100 \u00b0F) or higher (oral temperature)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>or 1.1\u00b0 C higher than a person\u2019s normal temperature<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Onset or worsening of a cough cough;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Difficulty breathing;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>or<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sudden loss of smell without nasal congestion, with or without loss of taste. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The symptoms can take up to 14 days to appear. They can be mild and similar to the common cold. They can also be more serious, with symptoms associated with pneumonia and pulmonary insufficiency. It is also possible to be a COVID-19 carrier without showing any symptoms. For these reasons, it is essential that everyone take preventive measures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How it spreads<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>COVID-19 is spread by small, contaminated\ndroplets that are released from the mouth or nose of infected individuals when\nthey speak, cough or sneeze. These droplets spread through the air and can be\ninhaled by people who are too close.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition, the virus can survive on\nsurfaces from a few hours to a few days, depending on the type of surface and the\nconditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Therefore, you can contract COVID-19 by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Being in close contact with an infected person;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Touching a contaminated surface with your hands and then touching your face.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What\u2019s happening in Qu\u00e9bec and Canada?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The situation is changing from day to day. Follow it here:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"In Qu\u00e9bec (s\u2019ouvre dans un nouvel onglet)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quebec.ca\/en\/health\/health-issues\/a-z\/2019-coronavirus\/situation-coronavirus-in-quebec\/\" target=\"_blank\">In Qu\u00e9bec<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"In Canada (s\u2019ouvre dans un nouvel onglet)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/public-health\/services\/diseases\/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html\" target=\"_blank\">In Canada<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Who is at risk and what about people with diabetes?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Those considered to be at risk are people\nwith compromised immune systems, those 70 years of age and over and people with\npre-existing medical conditions such as cancer, chronic lung disease or\ndiabetes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more information on the specific risks for people living with diabetes, see our article: <em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"COVID-19: the risks for people with diabetes (s\u2019ouvre dans un nouvel onglet)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.diabete.qc.ca\/en\/diabetes\/living-with-diabetes\/sick-days\/covid-19-the-risks-for-people-with-diabetes\/\" target=\"_blank\">COVID-19: the risks for people with diabetes<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Treatment<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To date, there is no cure for COVID-19. The majority (about 80%) of people with mild symptoms will recover on their own without any special treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What are the prevention measures?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Since there is no vaccine available at this time, preventive measures\nmust be followed rigorously to minimize the risk of infection and spread. These\nrecommendations are doubly important for people living with diabetes and their\nloved ones:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Wash your hands often and thoroughly<\/strong> for at least 20 seconds, with soap and water.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cough and sneeze into a tissue (be sure to cover your nose and mouth) or, if necessary, into the crook of your elbow. Throw away the tissue right away and then wash your hands.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid touching your face (particularly your eyes, nose and mouth) before washing and drying your hands.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clean frequently touched surfaces often (e.g.: door handles, counters, mobile devices).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do not share food, eyeglasses, towels, tools, etc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stay <strong>at least 2&nbsp;metres (6 feet)<\/strong> from other people, and avoid all contact with anyone who is coughing, sneezing or running a fever.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wear a mask or face cover in public places, especially when physical distance of 2 meters is not possible. For information on wearing a mask or face cover, click <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.quebec.ca\/en\/health\/health-issues\/a-z\/2019-coronavirus\/wearing-a-face-covering-in-public-settings-in-the-context-of-the-covid-19-pandemic\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"here (s\u2019ouvre dans un nouvel onglet)\">here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Continue with your scheduled medical checkups but find out if they can be done remotely, or postpone them if there is no urgency. Going to a medical clinic increases the risk of infection.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In preparation for potential infection, we recommend the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Have on hand the phone numbers of your doctor, pharmacist and insurance company.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have on hand a list of all your medications, as well as the vitamins, minerals and supplements that you take.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Make sure you have on hand 1 to 2 weeks\u2019 worth of all your medications in the event that it becomes impossible for you to leave your home.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&nbsp;If possible, stock up on hand soap and sanitizing gel for hand cleaning.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What if you become infected?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you suspect that you are infected, stay at\nhome and call the special Government of Qu\u00e9bec hotline at <a href=\"file:\/\/localhost\/tel\/+1-877-644-4545\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>1&nbsp;877&nbsp;644\u20114545<\/strong><\/a> for further instructions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, call your doctor or pharmacist to find out if an adjustment to your medication is necessary or if you need to stop taking some medications temporarily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Resources<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>COVID-19 is a new disease caused by a coronavirus. As of now, the\nsituation is still not entirely clear and we suggest that you keep informed of\nthe latest developments. Check out the resources below, as well as other reliable\nsources of information, for regular updates and recommendations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Official website of the Government of Qu\u00e9bec (s\u2019ouvre dans un nouvel onglet)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.quebec.ca\/en\/health\/health-issues\/a-z\/2019-coronavirus\/\" target=\"_blank\">Official website of the Government of Qu\u00e9bec<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Sel-Care guide from Government of Qu\u00e9bec (s\u2019ouvre dans un nouvel onglet)\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn-contenu.quebec.ca\/cdn-contenu\/sante\/documents\/Problemes_de_sante\/19-210-30A_Guide-auto-soins_anglais.pdf?1584985885\" target=\"_blank\">Self-Care guide<\/a><\/em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Sel-Care guide from Government of Qu\u00e9bec (s\u2019ouvre dans un nouvel onglet)\" href=\"https:\/\/cdn-contenu.quebec.ca\/cdn-contenu\/sante\/documents\/Problemes_de_sante\/19-210-30A_Guide-auto-soins_anglais.pdf?1584985885\" target=\"_blank\"> from Government of Qu\u00e9bec<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/public-health\/services\/diseases\/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Official website of the Government of Canada (s\u2019ouvre dans un nouvel onglet)\">Official website of the Government of Canada<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"CNESST \u2013 Questions and answers for employees and employers (s\u2019ouvre dans un nouvel onglet)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cnesst.gouv.qc.ca\/salle-de-presse\/Pages\/covid-19.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">CNESST \u2013 Questions and answers for employees and employers<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"Diabetes Canada website (s\u2019ouvre dans un nouvel onglet)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.diabetes.ca\/media-room\/news\/novel-coronavirus-(covid-19)-and-diabetes--what-you-should-know\" target=\"_blank\">Diabetes Canada website<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"International Diabetes Federation (s\u2019ouvre dans un nouvel onglet)\" href=\"https:\/\/diabetesvoice.org\/en\/news\/covid-19-and-diabetes\/\" target=\"_blank\">International Diabetes Federation<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\"World Health Organization \u2013 Myth Busters (s\u2019ouvre dans un nouvel onglet)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/emergencies\/diseases\/novel-coronavirus-2019\/advice-for-public\/myth-busters\" target=\"_blank\">World Health Organization \u2013 Myth Busters<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is the disease caused by SARS-coV-2, a virus in the coronavirus family. The coronavirus family is known to cause symptoms that can range from a simple cold to severe respiratory complications. The COVID-19 outbreak reportedly started in the city of Wuhan, China, in December 2019 and was declared a pandemic by&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":13776,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"7588,7531,10292,9690,8123,12656","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-13775","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.diabete.qc.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13775","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.diabete.qc.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.diabete.qc.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.diabete.qc.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.diabete.qc.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13775"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.diabete.qc.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13775\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":29922,"href":"https:\/\/www.diabete.qc.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13775\/revisions\/29922"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.diabete.qc.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13776"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.diabete.qc.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13775"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}