If the parent and/or caregiver is sick with the COVID-19 infection

If the parent and/or caregiver is sick with the COVID-19 infection

It is important to try and limit the spread of the virus to the patient

Table of Contents

  1. Common Symptoms of COVID-19 in Adults
  2. COVID-19 Self-Assessment Form
  3. What to do if you (the parent/primary caregiver) have or possibly have COVID-19
  4. Be Prepared in case you (primary caregiver) have COVID-19
  5. Additional Information & References

Keywords: Primary Caregiver, Diabetes, Planning, Self-Assessment, Symptoms of COVID-19 in adults.

1. Common Symptoms of COVID-19 in Adults 1, 2, 3, 4

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness.

These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus:

  • Cough
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing 
  • Body aches 
  • Muscle pain
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Runny nose or congestion
  • Sneezing
  • Headache
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • Sore throat
  • Reduced or loss of the sense of smell (anosmia)

*This list may change as more information become available. Please consult with your healthcare provider if you show other symptoms that are severe or concerning.

2. COVID-19 Self-Assessment Form 1, 2, 3, 4

CDC Self-Assessment Form
Specific to USA		Click Here

These self-assessment forms are for adults in Canada. Check with your local public health authority for a self-assessment form that may be specific to your region. 

Province of Ontario COVID-19 Self-Assessment FormClick Here
Alberta Health Services COVID-19 Self-Assessment FormClick Here
Shared Health Manitoba COVID-19 Self-Assessment FormClick Here
Quebec COVID-19 Self-Assessment FormClick Here
Saskatchewan COVID-19 Self Assessment FormClick Here
British Columbia COVID-19 Self-Assessment FormClick Here

3. What to do if you (the parent/primary caregiver) have or possibly have COVID-19 1, 2

Stay at home, unless you are seeking medical care2

  • Stay home from work and avoid visiting public places. 
  • If it is absolutely necessary to go out, avoid using public transportation, ridesharing, or taxis.
  • Take care of yourself by getting enough rest and staying hydrated.
  • Seek medical care if you experience difficulty breathing or emergency warning signs. 
  • If you are seeking medical care in person, call your healthcare provider ahead of time and tell them that you have or may have COVID-19.

Maintain Physical Distancing from others and avoid sharing personal household items

  • If you live with other people, stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. If possible, use a separate bathroom.2
  • If possible, a protected space should be made available for vulnerable household members (i.e. members over the age of 65 years old and individuals with underlying health conditions).
  • Avoid sharing personal items with other people in your household, like dishes, towels, and bedding.2
  • If you must be around other people or animals, use a cloth face covering. Click here for more information.
  • See our FAQ on COVID-19 and animals.

Monitor your symptoms

  • Refer to the symptoms list above for common COVID-19 symptoms. Monitor your symptoms carefully. If your symptoms get worse, call your healthcare provider.2
  • Be sure to adhere to care instructions from your health care provider and guidance from local health authorities. 

If you are sick, wear a cloth covering that covers your nose and mouth2

  • If you are alone, you do not need to wear a cloth face covering.
  • Wear a cloth face mask when you are around others (around family members, pets or in a vehicle) or if you are going to a clinic or hospital for care. 
  • If you are unable to wear a cloth face mask (due to breathing issues) try and limit your exposure to the people and pets living with you by staying in separate rooms).
  • Cloth face masks should not be worn by the following individuals:
    • Children under the age of 2, 
    • Individuals who have difficulty breathing or
    • Individuals who are unable to remove their mask without assistance.2

Wash your hands and be sure to cover coughs, and sneezes 1,2

  • Cover your mouth and use a tissue when you blow your nose, cough or sneeze.1
  • Dispose of the tissue in a lined trash bin and wash your hands.1 Immediately wash your hands. 
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.2

Clean surfaces that are touched often 1,2

  • If you can, clean surfaces that are touched often, everyday or on a regular basis.
    • Frequently touched items include counters, tabletops, doorknobs, toilets and electronic devices (i.e. phones). 
  • Use household cleaning sprays or wipes according to the label instructions.2 Refer to the following link for the Safe use of household cleaning products and bleach: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/home-safety/household-chemical-safety.html#a0
  • All utensils and surfaces should be cleaned regularly.5 Learn more about how to keep your home safe here.5
  • When doing laundry, one should wear disposable gloves and keep the soiled items away from the body while laundering. Hands should be washed immediately after removing gloves.1

For any additional questions about your care, contact your healthcare provider or state or local health department.1

4. Be Prepared in case your community cases rise or you (parent/primary caregiver) have COVID-196

If COVID-19 becomes common in your community, it is important to think about how to change your routines to reduce the risk of infection. Your plan should include physical (social) distancing. 

Some Examples of physical (social) distancing include:

  • Do your grocery shopping at off-peak hours or having groceries delivered, if possible.
  • Commute by public transit outside of the busy rush hour.
  • Opt to exercise at home
  • keep at least 6 ft (2 meters) between yourself and others if exercising outdoors.

If you get sick with COVID-19, your plan may include6

  • If you are a caregiver of children or other dependents, you may want to arrange alternative care arrangements. 
  • Talk to your employer about working from home if you are caring for a family member.
  • If you have symptoms, stay home for 14 days. 
  • Plan for your groceries to be delivered (i.e. by the store, friends and/or family members). Ensure you have supplies that can last you for a few days, to minimize the need to leave your home. 

5. Additional Information & References

  1. UNICEF. Q&A: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), 2020 https://www.unicef.org/sudan/stories/qa-coronavirus-disease-covid-19
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If You Are Sick or Caring for Someone, 2022. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/index.html
  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Symptoms of COVID-19, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html
  4. Guan WJ, Ni ZY, Hu Y, Liang WH, Ou CQ, He JX, Liu L, Shan H, Lei CL, Hui DS, Du B. Clinical characteristics of coronavirus disease 2019 in China. New England Journal of Medicine. 2020 Feb 28.
  5. American Diabetes Association. Diabetes and Coronavirus. https://www.diabetes.org/coronavirus-covid-19
  6. Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Being prepared, 2020. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/being-prepared.html
  7. Diabetes Canada. COVID-19 (coronavirus) and Diabetes: https://diabetes.ca/campaigns/covid-19-(coronavirus)-and-diabetes

Disclaimer: The information regarding COVID-19 is changing constantly as more data become available. The information provided in this website is not meant to replace diabetes healthcare team or public health agencies recommendations, and is intended for information purposes only. Please check with your healthcare providers for any deviations from your care plans.

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