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Ask BCCDC

Use the form below to suggest a question about COVID-19 for our team for an answer.
Last updated: May 12, 2022
Use the form below to suggest a question about COVID-19 for our team to answer. Our team reviews suggested questions weekly for common themes and answers frequently asked questions. You will not receive a direct response to your question. 

We highly recommend reviewing the previously answered questions below before submitting a question. 

Check back weekly for new answers. Answers will also be shared through our social media channels. Follow @CDCofBC on Twitter and phsa.bc on Instagram.

Questions by topic
Please do not submit any personal information through this form. If you have a health concern or a question that is specific to you, please consult with your health care provider or call 8-1-1.

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About COVID-19

 

If your infant has a high fever and coughing and you cannot manage their symptoms at home call 8-1-1 or your family physician to discuss your options. Any baby under 3 months with a fever should be seen by a doctor. Call 9-1-1 if your child has severe symptoms.

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It is possible to get COVID-19 more than once. Even with the same variant. Vaccination reduces the risk of contracting COVID-19 but it is most effective at preventing serious illness.

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Yes, vaccinated people are still able to transmit COVID-19, but the vaccine helps reduce transmission by limiting the length of time they are infectious.

 

You can get infected with COVID-19 more than once. Getting vaccinated with all recommended doses of a vaccine is the best way to protect yourself from a serious case of COVID-19. Register today to get vaccinated.


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Many people can manage their symptoms at home with rest and fluids. People who are hospitalized will receive additional treatments. Learn more.


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Find vaccination rates by age and region on the COVID-19 Regional Surveillance Dashboard.

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Some people reported changes to their menstrual cycle following vaccination and studies are ongoing. Many factors can impact the menstrual cycle including a COVID-19 infection. Other vaccines have not impacted the menstrual cycle. Learn more.

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If you have COVID-19

 

Learn the correct rapid antigen test technique with our video. It is important to swab correctly to reduce the risk of invalid or false-negative results.

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People who are immunocompromised do not need to isolate for longer than others. You should stay home for at least 5 or 10 days depending on your vaccination status and until you no longer have a fever and your symptoms have improved. 

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‎Children with symptoms of respiratory illness such as runny nose, cough, sore throat should stay home until they feel well enough to return to school. These symptoms can usually be managed well at home.


Children aged 5 years and older can be vaccinated as soon as their symptoms are gone.

 

This information will help you feed your baby safely during the COVID-19 pandemic.


  • Wash your hands before and after holding your baby, breastfeeding/preparing infant formula and feeding your baby
  • Wear a mask while you have symptoms (e.g., cough, sore throat, fever, sneezing).  Masks are not recommended for children under two years old. For more information see our Masks page.
  • Clean and disinfect high touch surfaces often
  • Wash and disinfect all infant feeding supplies carefully after each use. Learn more here.
  • Stay connected with support persons while practicing physical distancing and avoid others who are unwell
  • Limit the number of people who feed your baby
Information for families who are breastfeeding and provide expressed breast milk

Currently, health experts have not found COVID-19 in human milk. If you are breastfeeding or feeding your child expressed milk, continue to do so as often as possible. 

You can find more information on how to safely breastfeed your baby and/or young child during COVID-19 here. 

Information for families who use infant formula

For families who have made an informed decision to use infant formula, continue to safely prepare and store infant formula as described on the product label.

You can find more information on how to safely feed your baby during COVID-19 if you are using or thinking about using infant formula here. 

Reach out to local health care providers for any urgent concerns, or call 8-1-1 to speak with a nurse or dietitian at HealthLinkBC.


 
There are some specific treatments available for COVID-19. Information about specific medications, drugs and vaccines can be found on the Treatments page.

Many of the symptoms can be managed with home treatment such as drinking plenty of fluids, rest and using a humidifier or hot shower to ease a cough or sore throat. Most people recover from coronaviruses on their own. For people with more serious illness supportive care in or out of hospital may be needed.

For more information on what you can do if you have symptoms, see:

 

Not everyone develops a strong immune response after having COVID-19. The vaccine is the best way to ensure immunity. You can get vaccinated as soon as you have recovered and completed your self-isolation.


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Continue to isolate for longer if you have a fever or are not feeling better. Mild symptoms do not necessarily mean that you are contagious after 5 days. It can take longer to completely recover from the illness. Learn what to do if you have COVID-19.

 

Most people with COVID-19 feel better within two weeks. Some people take longer to feel better. If you have lingering symptoms of COVID-19 visit the Post-COVID-19 Care & Recovery page.

 
Most people can safely manage their COVID19 symptoms with home treatment, such as drinking fluids, rest, and using a humidifier or hot shower.  If you have a fever, you can use non-prescription medicine like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Learn more.‎

 

Children with symptoms of respiratory illness such as runny nose, cough, sore throat should stay home until they feel well enough to return to school. These symptoms can usually be managed well at home. Children aged 5 years and older can be vaccinated as soon as their symptoms are gone.

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Vaccines

 

The Moderna booster is half a dose as it was found to be as effective as a full dose but with fewer side effects such as muscle aches, headache, and tiredness. If you are eligible for your booster dose, get invited to book an appointment.


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For people age 18 and older who received AstraZeneca, a booster dose of an mRNA vaccine is recommended about 6 months after the second dose. Learn more about getting a vaccine.

 

The COVID-19 vaccine can be given at the same time as other childhood vaccinations, including the flu or HPV vaccine. You do not need to delay any vaccines.


Learn more about children and COVID-19 vaccination.

 
Younger children get a smaller dose of the vaccine because they have stronger immune systems. The smaller dose provides excellent protection in that age group. 

Children should get the vaccine recommended for their age. If you wait, your child is not protected. Learn more about children and COVID-19 vaccination.


 

There is a very strict process for vaccine testing and approval to ensure they are safe for children, read about the steps here.


 

Yes! COVID-19 vaccine can be given at the same time as most other vaccines including the flu vaccine. You do not need to delay vaccination. It's important to protect yourself against respiratory viruses in flu season. Learn more.

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BC tracks vaccine reactions, aka adverse events following immunization, through the immunization surveillance system.


Health care providers report reactions and public health investigates them.


Learn more about vaccine safety and effectiveness.

 

 

Yes! You need all recommended doses to get the most effective and long-term protection. Most side effects are not serious and should go away on their own. You can apply an ice pack to painful areas or take medications to ease discomfort. If you had serious side effects, talk to your health care provider before receiving your 2nd dose.


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If eligible, you will receive a third dose invitation through the Get Vaccinated system by text, email, or phone call.

Learn more about third doses and eligibility.

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You will get an invite for your booster dose 6 months after your initial series. People who are pregnant or who got Janssen vaccine can get their booster dose 2 months after their initial series. Learn more.

 

You should get a booster dose if you've had COVID-19. You can wait up to 3 months for your booster dose or get it any time after your symptoms have passed. If it's been more than 3 months, it's a good time to get a booster. It will boost your protection. 

 

You can submit or update your COVID-19 immunization record.‎

 

 

If you are eligible for a second booster you will get an invitation from the Get Vaccinated system to book an appointment 6 months after the date of your first booster.  If you live in long-term care or assisted living, you will receive your second booster from a health care worker who visits you. 

 
If you received one or more doses of COVID-19 vaccine from another country or province, find information on how to submit vaccination records & whether you need additional vaccines.

Register with Get Vaccinated.

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Social Interactions and Travel

 

If your child does not have any symptoms they can continue to attend school. Everyone in the household should be monitored for COVID-19 symptoms and stay home if they develop symptoms until they feel better. ‎

 

 

If someone in your household tests positive for COVID-19 they should stay apart from others in the house as much as possible. Other people in the house should monitor for symptoms but can continue their normal activities unless they develop symptoms.


Learn more about self-monitoring.

 

Yes, if you are comfortable. People who aren't vaccinated are at a higher risk of a severe case of COVID-19. The safest way to gather with others is to use layers of protection- be vaccinated, open windows, wash hands.

 

If you test positive while away, follow any local public health guidelines for self-isolation. Everyone over five years of age must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result to re-enter Canada.


Learn more about requirements and restrictions for international travel.


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If you are an international or out-of-province student, you will have the opportunity to get vaccinated or complete your vaccination series in BC at no cost. Learn more.

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Visit the Government of Canada website for information about:
  • who can travel to Canada 
  • testing and quarantine/ self-isolation requirements
  • completing the ArriveCAN application
  • requirements for fully vaccinated travellers.

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