Symptoms and Testing

Information for anyone concerned that they may have been exposed to, or is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.

Symptoms

The symptoms most commonly found with COVID-19 infection include:

Less common symptoms of COVID-19 infection include stuffy nose, conjunctivitis (pink eye), dizziness, confusion, abdominal pain and skin rashes or discoloration of fingers and toes. 

For key symptoms of illness in children, see the BCCDC guidance for K-12 school settings.

Testing

If an individual has no symptoms, they do not require a test. Testing is recommended for anyone with cold, influenza or COVID-19-like symptoms, even mild ones.  If you do not have symptoms, but have questions about COVID-19 visit the BCCDC website. 

Complete a self-assessment

Anyone who is concerned that they may have been exposed to, or is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should first use the online self-assessment tool: bc.thrive.health.

The self-assessment tool is also available as part of the COVID-19 BC Support App, which provides regular updates, trusted resources and alerts to your mobile device. 

Book a test appointment

The Island Health COVID-19 Testing Call Centre is available for individuals experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. 

Call Centre Hours of Operation: Monday - Sunday, 8:30 a.m. - 8:00.p.m.

You will be asked to leave a callback number rather than wait on-hold.  Calls will be processed in priority order during business hours but you may receive a call back after Call Centre hours, as we work to keep up with demand. Please ensure you provide a phone number that you can be reached at after our hours of operation. You will need your personal health number (or your child's) available when Call Centre staff return your call.

1-844-901-8442 (8:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.)

Locations of test collection sites

Our Call Centre team will confirm your need for a test and book a test at a collection site near you. 

Appointments for COVID-19 testing must be pre-booked through our Call Centre. We are not providing tests for walk-up or drive-in clients without an appointment. 

To cancel your appointment, call the Testing Call Centre (1-844-901-8442) during business hours and press option ‘4’ when prompted.

Mouth Rinse / Gargle Testing

Individuals (ages 4+) with COVID-19 symptoms can be tested using a gargle test or a nasopharyngeal swab. Both are good options and will tell you if you have COVID-19. The gargle test method involves swishing and gargling sterile salt water and spitting it into a collection tube. Before calling to book an appointment, please use the self-assessment tool at bc.thrive.health to determine if you or your child needs a COVID-19 test. If a test is recommended, call 1-844-901-8442 to book an appointment (daily 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.). 

What to expect and how to prepare

Individuals wanting the option of having a saline gargle test need to review the instructions before coming in for testing, as there is some preparation required.

• Adults and Youth (13-18 years of age): See the gargle test instructions for adults and youth.
• Children: Watch a video about what to expect during the test and see gargle test instructions for child and caregiver.
  • For younger children, practice the swish, gargle and spit technique using water at home at least two hours before going to the collection centre. 
• One hour prior to the gargle test, do not eat, drink (including water), chew gum, vape or smoke.
• Everyone, including children, must wear a mask when attending the test collection site.
• Go directly home after the test; stay home from school or work, and do not see visitors. Family members should follow the guidance for caregivers.

Waiting for test results for families and patients

While waiting for test results, the person with symptoms needs to stay home and isolate from other household members (other than a direct caregiver if required). 

Household members who do not have symptoms, and/or are not directly caring for a sick child, do not need to stay home and can continue their normal activities, while maintaining a physical distance of 2-metres from others, wearing a mask where appropriate and washing hands frequently.

If any close contacts develop symptoms, please stay home and call 8-1-1 or visit bc.thrive.health for information. 

Start making a list of people you were in close contact with, as of two (2) days (48 hrs.) before you began experiencing symptoms. Include their names and contact information.  

Getting your results

Have your personal health number handy for any of these options:

1. Access test results, 24-48 hours after testing, through MyHealth, a secure website that gives access to your personal health information. To log in, create an account, or request access to someone else’s MyHealth account visit www.islandhealth.ca/myhealth. 
2. Sign up for results by text message.
3. Call BC’s COVID-19 Negative Results Line 24-48 hours after testing at 1-833-707-2792, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., 7-days a week. 
4. Adolescents and parents of children can call Island Health’s Lab Call Centre at 1-866-370-8355, Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m., closed weekends and statutory holidays.

What if I test negative for COVID-19?

After a negative COVID-19 test, there are self-isolation requirements. See our Isolation Protocols for details specific to your situation.  

Reviewed: DAILY
Last update: January 11, 2021 at 10:50 a.m.