Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): For health professionals
On this page
- What health professionals need to know
- Causative agents
- Signs and symptoms
- Transmission
- Risk factors for severe disease
- Infection prevention and control
- Diagnosis
- Reporting
- Treatment and vaccines
- Webinars on COVID-19 vaccines
- Guidance
What health professionals need to know
Health professionals in Canada have a critical role to play in identifying, reporting and managing potential cases of COVID-19.
COVID-19 is the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, a new virus that was first recognized in December 2019. Genetic sequencing of the virus suggests that it is a betacoronavirus closely linked to the SARS virus. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. Some can infect animals, and some can infect humans.
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a global pandemic in March 2020.
As we learn more about the virus, clinicians must remind Canadians to keep doing their part to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This includes following public health precautions, such as:
- staying home when unwell
- physical distancing
- hand hygiene
- respiratory etiquette
- wearing masks when in closed indoor spaces
- regularly cleaning and disinfecting common surfaces
- self-monitoring for symptoms
The WHO is actively monitoring the situation and has issued:
- updated information on the outbreak
- advice on public health measures and infection prevention and control
- enhanced surveillance
We are monitoring the COVID-19 situation closely, both in Canada and globally, and providing regular updates.
Causative agents
The coronavirus has been named SARS CoV-2.
Signs and symptoms
We have compiled a clinician guide for COVID-19. Based on scientific evidence, and informed by expert opinion, the guide outlines:
- signs
- symptoms
- severity
This guidance is subject to change as new information emerges.
Clinical presentation and symptoms of COVID-19 vary in frequency and severity. Symptoms can take up to 14 days to appear after exposure to the virus.
People with COVID-19 may have few or no symptoms. Symptoms are often similar to other illnesses, particularly other respiratory viruses such as rhinovirus or influenza, amongst others. People can transmit the virus before they develop symptoms (pre-symptomatic transmission). Some infected people never develop symptoms, but can still transmit the virus (asymptomatic transmission). That is why everyone, even those who feel well, should follow measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The true frequency of symptoms associated with COVID-19 is unknown. People with more severe symptoms may be overrepresented in published reports. Symptoms may also differ across care settings. More symptoms may develop as the disease progresses.
There is no validated list of symptoms with high specificity or sensitivity for the diagnosis of COVID-19. Clinical diagnosis should therefore always be confirmed by testing.
Encourage patients to seek medical consultation if they have new or worsening symptoms.
Transmission
Learn about the modes of transmission of COVID-19.
The time period in which an individual with COVID-19 is infectious remains uncertain.
- A person may be infectious for up to 3 days before showing symptoms (pre-symptomatic infectiousness).
- Viral RNA levels appear to be highest just before or soon after symptom onset.
Incubation period
The incubation period ranges from 1 to 14 days. The median is 5 to 6 days between exposure and symptom onset. Most people (97.5%) develop symptoms within 11.5 days of exposure.
Re-infection
There is emerging evidence of human re-infection with SARS-CoV-2. This has been documented by individuals confirmed to have been infected by different strains of the virus. Further research is required to fully comprehend the relationship between positive antibody tests and any protection against re-infection.
Currently, we do not know:
- whether the presence of antibodies indicates immunity to re-infection, and if it does, how long that potential immunity lasts
- the potential severity of subsequent infections
Early research appears to indicate that neutralizing antibody levels can decrease following recovery from COVID-19. As serological testing for antibodies expands, the results may provide insight into re-infection and duration of immunity.
The Government of Canada launched the COVID-19 Immunity Task Force in April 2020. The task force is focused on tracking the spread of the virus in the general population and shedding light on immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 in a diversity of:
- communities
- age brackets
- populations
- occupational groups
Risk factors for severe disease
Coronaviruses can result in severe illness for some people in our communities. Those who are at risk of developing more severe disease or outcomes from COVID-19 are people:
- who are an older adult (increasing risk with each decade, especially over 60 years)
- of any age with chronic medical conditions, including:
- lung disease
- heart disease
- high blood pressure
- diabetes
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- dementia
- stroke
- any age who are immunocompromised, including those:
- with an underlying medical condition, such as cancer
- taking medications which lower the immune system, such as chemotherapy
- living with obesity (BMI of 40 or higher)
Learn more about disease severity and risk factors for severe disease in our clinician guide for health professionals.
Infection prevention and control
We have developed infection prevention and control guidance and strategies to prevent or limit COVID-19 transmission in health care settings, including:
There is an unprecedented demand and urgent need for products to help limit the spread of COVID-19. As a temporary measure, we are speeding up the authorization processes for personal protective equipment (PPE).
We are also allowing certain medical devices to be imported and sold that may not fully meet Canadian regulatory requirements. However, these devices are manufactured to comparable standards.
Learn more about strategies to address PPE shortages, including the reprocessing of N95 respirators.
Training for contact tracing
Register for our free training courses on contact tracing. You will need to make an account before being able to register. Our series of courses supplement local training and onboarding. They are not a requirement to conducting work in your jurisdiction. Health professionals must follow local/regional policies and procedures for contract tracing.
Diagnosis
Our National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) helped develop and verify the laboratory tests used to identify COVID-19. NML has worked closely with provinces and territories through the Canadian Public Health Laboratory Network to advance testing capacity in Canada. Additionally, NML scientists continue to investigate novel technologies to detect COVID-19, which can potentially enhance access to testing and increase ease of collection.
Health Canada regulates the sale and import of commercial testing devices relating to COVID-19.
Most submissions to Health Canada are for 3 types of commercial testing devices:
- nucleic acid-based testing
- antigen-based testing
- serology-based testing
Consult the list of testing devices that have been authorized to date for use related to COVID-19.
Only testing devices authorized by Health Canada can be imported or sold in Canada. Unauthorized tests may not produce accurate results, leading to potential misdiagnosis. COVID-19 tests are confirmed to be well supported by evidence indicating they will provide accurate and reliable results.
Health Canada has published a resource on Information for patients on COVID-19 antibody (serology) testing.
Reporting
We do not accept reports from the public or individual health care providers. Reporting is completed by provincial or territorial health authorities.
The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) collaborates with provincial and territorial public health partners to collect information on COVID-19 cases in Canada. A detailed epidemiologic summary is available.
Recommendations to public health care professionals
- Use the interim national case definition for COVID-19 to consider the possibility of COVID-19 in persons with relevant clinical and exposure history.
- Use the COVID-19 case report form (PDF), to facilitate case reporting of confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases.
- Provincial and territorial public health authorities should report confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases to PHAC within 24 hours of their own notification.
- PHAC must report events that meet the requirements for International Health Regulations, Articles 6 and 7, to the WHO within 24 hours of assessment of public health information.
- Follow the guidance on the public health management of cases and contacts associated with COVID-19.
Treatment and vaccines
We are tracking all potential drugs and vaccines in development in Canada and abroad. To help expedite the development and availability of treatments to prevent and treat COVID-19, we are working with:
- international partners
- academic research centres
- companies
- investigators
As of October 2020, Health Canada began receiving submissions for approval under the drug authorization Interim Order for COVID-19. Health Canada will carefully review all of the data provided. Before any new vaccine or treatment is made available to Canadians, it must be shown to be safe, effective and of high quality.
On December 9, 2020, we authorized the first vaccine in Canada for the prevention of COVID-19.
Find out about COVID-19 vaccines that are authorized in Canada.
You can search the complete list of vaccines that have been authorized for treating and preventing COVID-19.
Among hospitalized patients who have COVID-19 and require supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation, clinicians should strongly consider:
- dexamethasone 6 mg IV for 10 days (or until discharge if earlier) or equivalent glucocorticoid dose
We have authorized certain products to treat COVID-19 and its symptoms. You can search the complete list of drugs that have been authorized for treating COVID-19.
Products that may ease symptoms such as fever and cough may be used to treat patients with COVID-19.
Together with a network of clinical experts, we have developed guidance for the clinical management of COVID-19 patients. This guidance is not meant to replace clinical judgment or specialist consultation.
Refer to the interim guidance on:
- clinical management of patients with COVID-19
- care of residents in long-term care homes during the COVID-19 pandemic
For more information on treatment under development, refer to the authorized clinical trials.
Webinars on COVID-19 vaccines
Access webinars on immunization clinic planning, and vaccine planning and administration.
COVID-19 vaccine foundations for health care providers
Watch webinar on COVID-19 vaccine foundations for health care providers.
- Module 1: Health Canada COVID-19 Vaccine Approval (PDF) and the Role of the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) in COVID-19 Vaccine Planning (PDF)
- describes the Health Canada vaccine approval pathway for vaccines, including changes under the interim order and the status of current rolling submissions
- underscores the guidance delivered and expected from NACI
- Module 2: COVID-19 Vaccines in Canada (PDF)
- describes the platform technologies used by candidate vaccines against SARS-COV-2/COVID-19
- discusses mRNA vaccines in development by Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna
- Module 3: COVID-19 Vaccine Administration and Immunization Clinic Planning (PDF)
- describes the infection prevention and control requirements for safely providing COVID-19 vaccines given the ongoing circulation of SARS-CoV-2
- highlights key messages regarding vaccine storage and handling requirements
- provides planning parameters and strategies for organizing mass immunization clinics
- access supplemental materials on immunization clinic planning (PDF)
Recommendations of the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) on the use of the P fizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine
Watch webinar on the recommendations of NACI on the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.
- Module 1: What You Need to Know about the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine (PDF)
- describes the characteristics of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine
- summarizes key information on handling and administering the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine
- Module 2: Recommendations of NACI on the Use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine (PDF)
- summarizes the clinical evidence for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine
- summarizes NACI recommendations on the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine
- for current recommendations, refer to NACI’s recommendations on the use of COVID-19 vaccines
Recommendations of the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) on the use of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine
Watch webinar on the recommendations of NACI on the use of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine.
The presentation on the recommendations of NACI on the use of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine (PDF) includes information on the:
- characteristics of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine platform
- clinical evidence for the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine
- handling and administering the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine
For more information on the webinars, consult the:
- Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease Canada
- National Collaborating Centre for Infectious Diseases
Guidance
Refer to our guidance for health professionals for clinical guidance on COVID-19, including:
- infection prevention and control
- signs, symptoms and severity of disease
- clinical management of patients with COVID-19
- care of residents in long-term care homes during the COVID-19 pandemic
Related links
- Statement about confidence in COVID-19 vaccines for health care professionals
- Digital factsheets, printable posters and shareable videos on COVID-19 (multilingual products available)
- COVID-19: Social media and promotional resources for Health Canada and Public Health Agency of Canada
- COVID-19 health product advisories
- Health Canada Toolkit: COVID-19 and substance use
- Subsection 56(1) Class Exemption for Patients, Practitioners and Pharmacists Prescribing and Providing Controlled Substances in Canada during the Coronavirus Pandemic
- Biosafety advisory: SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2)
- Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
- COVID-19 resources and guidance, including for federal, provincial and territorial governments
- COVID-19 and people with disabilities in Canada
- Guidance for providers of services for people experiencing homelessness (in the context of COVID-19)
- COVID-19 health products industry
- COVID-19 disinfectants, sanitizers, cleaners and soaps
- List of hand sanitizers authorized by Health Canada
- CIHR-PHAC-CADTH - Best Brains Exchange - Transmission Routes for COVID-19: Implications for Public Health
What COVID-19 information do you need?
- ArriveCAN
- Use ArriveCAN to enter Canada
- What to do after you've arrived in Canada
- How to use ArriveCAN
- Check requirements for entering Canada
- Your privacy and ArriveCAN
- Additional questions about ArriveCAN
- Travel
- Find out if you can travel to Canada
- Travel restrictions in Canada
- Quarantine and isolation for travellers
- Compassionate exemptions
- Registration of Canadians Abroad service
- Check if you have been exposed during recent travel
- I am a Canadian travelling abroad and I need support. Who can I contact?
- I am a traveller trying to return home to Canada. How do I get financial support while abroad?
- Income support
- Health and safety
- Prevention and risks
- COVID-19 vaccines overview
- Vaccine distribution
- Vaccine safety and possible side effects
- Authorized vaccines
- What is my risk of getting COVID-19 in Canada?
- Difference between quarantine vs isolate
- Physical distancing and how it helps minimize COVID-19
- How can I go out safely during the COVID-19 pandemic?
- Surface contamination
- Which people are at risk of severe outcomes?
- Pregnancy and risks related to COVID-19
- Can COVID-19 be transmitted through food?
- Can my pet or other animals get sick from this virus?
- Hygiene
- Wearing masks
- Can COVID-19 spread while swimming in lakes and pools?
- Can COVID-19 spread through sex?
- Symptoms and treatment
- Reduce COVID-19 in your community
- What can I do to care for my mental and physical health?
- Drug and medical device supply monitoring
- For clinical trial sponsors
- Prevention and risks
- Additional economic and financial support
- Individuals
- Individuals and families
- People with disabilities
- Post-secondary students and recent graduates
- Seniors
- Indigenous peoples
- Supporting Indigenous communities
- Boosting the On-Reserve Income Assistance Program
- Funding for additional health care resources for Indigenous communities
- Expanding and improving access to mental wellness services
- Making personal hygiene products and nutritious food more affordable
- Providing support to Indigenous post-secondary students
- Ensuring a safe return to school for First Nations
- New shelters to protect and support Indigenous women and children fleeing violence
- Support for businesses
- Avoiding layoffs, rehiring employees and creating new jobs
- Taxes and tariffs
- Financial support, loans and access to credit
- Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) interest-free loans
- Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS)
- Loan Guarantee for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
- Co-Lending Program for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
- Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF)
- Canada United Small Business Relief Fund
- Mid-Market Financing Program
- Mid-Market Guarantee and Financing Program
- Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility (LEEFF)
- Additional support by sector
- Targeted support
- Self-employed individuals
- Indigenous businesses
- Supporting financial stability
- Support for sectors
- Agriculture and agri-food
- Keeping workers in the food supply chain safe
- Increasing credit availability
- Protecting the health and safety of farm workers
- Helping producers faced with additional costs incurred by COVID-19
- Increasing the Canadian Dairy Commission borrowing limit
- Increasing interim payments from 50% to 75% through AgriStability
- Expanding AgriInsurance to include labour shortage
- Additional support for your business
- Aquaculture and fisheries
- Cultural, heritage and sport
- Emergency Support Fund for Cultural, Heritage and Sport Organizations
- Support for Independent production companies
- Supporting Canada’s six national museums and the National Battlefields Commission
- Helping the National Arts Centre continue its operations
- Waiving payments for Part I licence fees
- Additional support for your business
- Air transportation
- Tourism
- Energy
- Academic and research
- Infrastructure
- Mining
- Infrastructure
- Agriculture and agri-food
- Organizations helping Canadians
- Services to those in need
- Seniors
- People who need it most
- Helping address urgent housing needs of vulnerable individuals
- Supporting people experiencing homelessness
- Supporting women and children fleeing violence
- Providing youth with mental health support
- Supporting public health efforts through the Canadian Red Cross
- Additional support for your organization
- People with disabilities
- Provinces and territories
- People who need it most
- Health
- Economy
- Education
- Individuals
- About COVID-19
- E-mail updates on COVID-19
- Current confirmed number of COVID-19 cases in Canada
- More details about the cases reported in Canada
- How does it spread?
- Where can I get information specific to my province or territory?
- How governments are working together
- How can I make a difference in Canada’s COVID-19 response efforts?
- Resources for parents and children
- Resources for youth, students and young adults
- Resources for seniors and their caregivers
- Resources for Indigenous communities
- People with disabilities
Report a problem or mistake on this page
- Date modified: