Testing & Treating Respiratory Illnesses

You are eligible for publicly-funded COVID-19 testing if you have COVID‑19 symptoms and belong to any of the following groups:

• people aged 65 years of age and older
• people who are immunocompromised
• people who are at increased risk due to a combination of age and other medical conditions or risk factors, based on an assessment by a health care provider
• residents and patients in certain high-risk settings including hospitals and congregate living settings with medically and socially vulnerable individuals (for example, in long-term care and other specific populations and settings)
• people in the context of suspected or confirmed outbreaks, as directed by the local public health unit

If you develop symptoms and you are eligible for a publicly-funded test, we recommend you contact your primary care provider or pharmacist to find out about test availability and to arrange to take a test.

• Patients can access their COVID-19 lab test results by contacting the health-care provider who ordered the test.
• You may also be able to access your results through services offered by some laboratory providers and hospitals.

Positive test result

• If you get a positive result on a COVID‑19 test, you should stay home when sick, except to get health care and follow current guidance on how long to stay home and self-isolate and on additional precautions to take.
• If you test positive on a rapid antigen test, you do not need a PCR or rapid molecular test to confirm your result, unless directed by a health-care provider.
• Antiviral treatments are available for those eligible for treatment (see eligibility below) with a positive test result (molecular or rapid antigen test). Find out more about antiviral treatment options or talk to your health care provider.
• If you develop severe symptoms requiring medical attention, such as shortness of breath or chest pain, call 911 and inform them that you have tested positive for COVID‑19.

Negative test result

• If you test negative on a rapid antigen test, it is less likely that you have COVID‑19. It is possible to receive a false negative result using a rapid antigen test (that is, testing negative even though infected), particularly early in COVID‑19 infection, or you could have a different respiratory virus. If you repeat testing 24–48 hours after your first negative test and test negative again, you can be more confident that you do not have a COVID-19 infection.
• If you test negative on a molecular test (rapid molecular or PCR), you can be confident that you do not have COVID-19 infection.

You should still follow current guidance on how long to stay home and self-isolate and on additional precautions to take when you are sick.

Antiviral treatments for COVID-19 (including Paxlovid and Remdesivir) can prevent serious illness if you take them in the first few days after symptoms start. A physician, nurse practitioner or participating pharmacist may prescribe you antiviral treatment if you:

• have symptoms and test positive for COVID-19 (positive PCR or rapid antigen test)
• are at increased risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19 

Paxlovid

Paxlovid is an antiviral medication taken by mouth at home which must begin within 5 days of the start of symptoms.

Paxlovid is known to interact with many medications and is linked to side effects. It is not appropriate for everyone, especially people on certain medications. Discuss with your health-care provider:

• any medications you are taking (including any over the counter medications, natural health products, vitamins, minerals, or supplements)
• any medical conditions or allergies you have
• if you have liver or kidney disease
• if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or using hormonal birth control (such as birth control pills or patches)

For more information on contraindications and drug interactions, visit Health Canada’s Paxlovid Consumer Information Summary.

Paxlovid is covered under the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) (including OHIP+ and Trillium Drug Benefit) for eligible adults (18+) who are ODB-eligible and who:

• are at increased risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes and meet the clinical criteria as specific on the Ontario Drug Benefit Formulary
• have a prescription
• have COVID-19 symptoms
• have a positive COVID-19 test
• obtain Paxlovid from an Ontario pharmacy

If you are not eligible for Ontario Drug Benefit coverage, the cost may be covered by your private insurance. You can apply for the Trillium Drug Program if you do not have an insurance plan that pays for 100% of your drug costs and spend about 4% or more of your after-tax household income on prescription drug costs.

Paxlovid is also covered under the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program for eligible First Nations and Inuit individuals.

Remdesivir

Remdesivir is a free, antiviral medication that is administered intravenously (IV) through Ontario Health atHome and certain other settings. Treatment must begin within 7 days of the start of symptoms and requires a referral from a physician (doctor) or nurse practitioner. Remdesivir is only prescribed to people who cannot take Paxlovid because they either:

• are on certain medications
• have certain medical conditions
• have had symptoms longer than 5 days

How to get Remdesivir:

1. Your doctor or nurse practitioner must complete the appropriate referral form(s) and submit to Ontario Health atHome near you.
2. A care coordinator from Ontario Health atHome will follow up with you directly.
3. In most cases, you will receive infusions at a community nursing clinic. At-home service may be provided for homebound patients.

Antiviral treatments are not a replacement for vaccination or taking other recommended precautions.

Antiviral treatments for the flu (Tamiflu) may reduce the severity and duration of infection if administered within 48 hours of symptom onset. A physician, nurse practitioner or participating pharmacist may prescribe Tamiflu if you have symptoms of respiratory illness and are at higher risk of complications of influenza.

Post COVID-19 condition is when the symptoms of COVID-19 persist for more than 12 weeks after the infection. It's also known as long COVID, and can affect both adults and children. Post-COVID-19 condition (long COVID) - Canada.ca.