COVID-19

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of COVID-19 can range from mild illness to pneumonia. Some people will recover easily, and others may get very sick very quickly. People with coronavirus may experience symptoms such as:

• fever

• respiratory symptoms:

• coughing

• sore throat

• shortness of breath

Other symptoms can include runny nose, headache, muscle or joint pains, nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, loss of sense of smell, altered sense of taste, loss of appetite and fatigue.

I have some symptoms,
what should I do?

If you have cold or flu like symptoms, such as a cough, fever, sore throat, shortness of breath or runny nose, even if these are mild, you should get tested for COVID-19 as soon as possible. People with mild symptoms can still spread the virus. To help stop the spread of COVID-19, anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms should get tested.

How do I get tested?

As part of Australia’s response to COVID-19, public health units around Australia have increased testing. People may have a COVID-19 test for several reasons. You can find more guidance for people who are tested under these enhanced procedures for COVID-19.

If you need to get tested, you can:

• attend a free COVID-19 respiratory clinic

• contact your doctor and they will arrange the test, this may attract a fee

To find your closest COVID-19 respiratory clinic click here.

If I get tested what should I do after?

It may take a day or two for your test results to come back.

If you have serious symptoms you will be kept in hospital and isolated from other patients to prevent the virus spreading.

If your doctor says you are well enough to go home while you wait for your test results, you should:

• isolate at home

• protect yourself and others

For questions about testing or patient welfare, call the National Coronavirus Helpline.

What can I do day-to-day
to help protect those around me?

We can all help slow the spread of COVID-19 in Australia.

To protect others you must:

• practise good hygiene

• practise physical distancing

• follow the limits for public gatherings

• understand how to isolate if you need to

What else can I do during this time?

While our physical health is important during this time we should also be taking care of our mental health. If you are feeling overwhelmed or you know someone who might be struggling please see the resources below.

Head to Health COVID 19 Support

Beyond Blue Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service

Kids Helpline

Be kind and look out for one another.