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Unfortunately, the global pandemic is still ongoing, but some countries are now open to Canadian travellers, as long as you are fully vaccinated. However, depending on where you are flying to, you still might need to book a PCR test in order to board the flight and enjoy your time overseas. In this article, we’re going to discuss the top COVID-19 symptoms that you should be aware of and what to do if you think you’re experiencing COVID-19 associated symptoms when you’re about to travel abroad.
What Are The Top Symptoms Associated With COVID-19?
Since the main symptoms associated with COVID-19 are very similar to any other respiratory condition, it can be difficult to determine whether you have COVID-19 or just a common cold. And if you’re flying overseas in the next couple of days, experiencing symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat or fever can start to make you panic! Should airport staff ask about your symptoms, it’s always good to have a negative PCR test certificate as evidence that you are OK to fly. This really does make flying internationally during a global pandemic a whole lot easier!
So, which symptoms are currently connected to COVID-19:
Fever or chills
A dry cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Feeling tired or exhausted
Generally feeling unwell with aches and pains
Headaches
A new loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
A runny nose
Congestion
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
While you might simply have a cold, allergies or a stomach bug, if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, and have a flight from Canada coming up, we strongly recommend that you consider rescheduling it or cancelling your trip. While we do offer PCR tests and rapid antigen tests at Safe Travels Clinic in Windsor, Ontario, we can only test asymptomatic patients. If you have moderate to severe symptoms, please visit a COVID-19 assessment centre and self-isolate until test results are negative or for a total of 10 days since the onset of the symptoms.
If I Have A Cough Can I Still Come To The Clinic?
We require all customers to wear a face mask that covers their nose and mouth when attending the clinic. Only when asked by a member of our team, remove the face mask for your PCR test or rapid antigen test to be performed. Once the test is complete, place the face mask back over your nose and mouth to help prevent the spread of viral infections. However, if you have a fever and you have recently lost your sense of smell or taste, please stay home. It is highly likely that you have COVID-19 and you should self-isolate immediately.
I Don’t Think I Have COVID-19, Should I Still Come For My Appointment?
It can be difficult to tell whether you have symptoms of COVID-19 or not. Generally, if you have no fever and very mild symptoms, you may have a common cold or allergies rather than COVID-19. If you are concerned about attending the clinic for your PCR test, please call our team for more information and advice. Unfortunately, we can only see asymptomatic patients who are fit and well to travel and need a fit-to-fly certificate.
What Should I Do If I Have Symptoms But Have A Flight Booked?
Even if you are fully vaccinated, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t be infected with COVID-19. You will need to book a PCR test before your flight if you are experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19 at a medical centre. This could be a dry cough, loss of smell or taste or sore throat. However, we must ensure the safety of all staff and clients at our clinic. Therefore, we are not currently accepting patients who are experiencing moderate or severe COVID-19 symptoms.
For patients who have no symptoms of COVID-19 but require a negative PCR test before entering another country, please book a test at Safe Travels Clinic. This will rule out the possibility that you have COVID-19 and so will allow you to safely travel without running into any issues.
If I Get A Positive COVID-19 Test Result, What Should I Do?
If you receive a positive COVID-19 test result after attending Safe Travels Clinic, your past history will be reviewed by our medical director. In case of a recently documented positive test, we may issue a certificate stating that the test is false positive and you may be allowed to fly.
If we believe you have COVID-19 after reviewing your medical history, you will not be allowed to travel. You must self-isolate at once and take precautions to limit the spread of infection. Stay home and isolate for 10 days from when the symptoms begin or you have received a positive COVID-19 test result. Seek medical help if your symptoms become worse, or you are struggling to breathe. Ask family, friends or neighbours for assistance when it comes to shopping, picking up medication and caring for pets. If you need to leave the house, always wear a properly fitted face mask over your nose and mouth. You might wish to cancel or postpone your flight too.
References:
1: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html
2: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public