Overview
COVID-19 is caused by a virus. It can cause a fever, a cough, shortness of breath, and other symptoms. COVID-19 mainly spreads through droplets from coughing, sneezing, breathing, and singing. The virus also can spread when people are in close contact with someone who is infected.
Most people have mild symptoms and can take care of themselves at home.
Caring for a baby while you are sick with COVID-19 can be a challenge. You'll want to take care of yourself and keep your baby safe from the virus.
Experts believe that passing the virus to a baby during pregnancy is unlikely. But after birth, a baby can get the virus through person-to-person contact—just like anyone else. That's why if you are sick with COVID-19 when you have your baby, you and your doctor can talk about ways to protect your baby. This includes wearing a well-fitting mask and having your baby sleep in an incubator in your room, rather than in an open bassinet. You and your doctor may decide to have your baby stay in a different hospital room.
Talk to your doctor about how long you, or your baby, should stay away from other people. It might be as long as a few weeks.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
When should you call for help?
If you are ill
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if you have life-threatening symptoms, such as:
- You have severe trouble breathing. (You can't talk at all.)
- You have constant chest pain or pressure.
- You are severely dizzy or light-headed.
- You are confused or can't think clearly.
- You have pale, grey, or blue-coloured skin or lips.
- You passed out (lost consciousness) or are very hard to wake up.
Call your doctor or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have moderate trouble breathing. (You can't speak a full sentence.)
- You are coughing up blood (more than about 1 teaspoon [5 mL]).
- You have signs of low blood pressure. These include feeling light-headed; being too weak to stand; and having cold, pale, clammy skin.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if:
- Your symptoms get worse.
- You are not getting better as expected.
If you are worried that your baby is ill, call your doctor or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
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