Disclaimer: This guide is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
If you are experiencing an emergency, go to your nearest hospital or call 000.
What is it?
COVID-19 is the disease caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, and it is highly contagious. It spreads from person to person through respiratory droplets or small airborne particles when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, talks, or is in close contact with others.
An infected person releases the virus into the environment through viral shedding, which occurs when they breathe, sneeze, cough, or even through their feces and urine. After recovering from COVID-19, some individuals may still have non-infectious fragments of the virus in their bodies. These fragments can result in a positive test, although this result may be weak and require further testing to confirm that the person is no longer infectious.
Anyone can contract COVID-19 regardless of age, and become seriously ill. Most people will recover without treatment. People who have pre-existing health problems are at higher risk when they have COVID-19; they should seek medical help early if worried about their condition.
The risk of COVID-19 infection increases in the following scenarios:
- Living with someone who has COVID-19.
- Spending extended time with an infected person, such as staying overnight.
- Being indoors with an infected person (outdoor interactions pose a lower risk).
- Not wearing face masks (risk is lower if both individuals wear masks).
It is important for individuals to follow local guidelines on vaccination and protective measures to safeguard themselves against COVID-19.
COVID-19 antivirals
COVID-19 antiviral medications are designed to prevent severe illness and hospitalisation but do not replace vaccination. They are prescribed only for those at high risk of severe disease. Eligible individuals include those who have tested positive for COVID-19 and meet one of the following criteria:
- Aged 70 or older
- Aged 50 or older with at least one risk factor for severe disease
- Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders aged 30 or older with one risk factor
- Aged 18 or older with a weakened immune system
- Previously hospitalised due to COVID-19 and aged 18 or older
These medications require a prescription, and a GP can assess eligibility and prescribe them or refer you to a hospital.
Risk factors include living in aged care, having multiple conditions or frailty, neurological conditions, chronic respiratory issues, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, kidney failure, cirrhosis, or living in remote areas with limited healthcare access.
People aged 18 or older may also qualify if they have been previously hospitalised for COVID-19 or are moderate to severely immunocompromised. This includes conditions such as blood cancer, certain blood disorders, being a transplant recipient, immunodeficiency, recent chemotherapy or radiotherapy, recent high-dose corticosteroids or immunosuppressive treatments, anti-CD20 treatment, cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, congenital heart disease, or disability with multiple conditions.
To prepare, check your eligibility with your GP.
Symptoms
COVID-19 symptoms can vary from mild to severe and typically appear 2-14 days after exposure. Common symptoms include:
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Fever, chills, sweats
Other symptoms can include headache, muscle soreness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of smell and taste, and loss of appetite. If you experience any symptoms, seek medical advice and get tested immediately.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Difficulty breathing or speaking
- Confusion
- Drowsiness or unconsciousness
- Persistent chest pain
- Cold or clammy skin, or a pale or bluish colour
- Loss of speech or movement
How we can help
We provide a convenient and secure system for you to see a doctor from the comfort of your own home, or on the go with your smart device. You can have a video call on-demand by joining the queue for the next available doctor, or schedule an appointment at a time that suits you. We’re open every day, 24 hours a day – including public holidays – because we know illness and injury don’t adhere to conventional practice hours.
Much like a traditional appointment, your telehealth doctor will conduct a comprehensive assessment, including:
- pre-existing conditions, family history and lifestyle.
- preferred treatments and ability to access them.
- individualised advice to treat your condition.
- referrals or scripts at the discretion of the doctor.
Why choose doctors on demand?
Talk to a doctor about COVID-19.
Our patients choose us for a wide variety of reasons, ranging from managing chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, to addressing specific concerns such as hair loss and acne – or simply because they need a medical certificate or referral. Choose from over 150 doctors with a wide range of qualifications, experiences, and fluency in 31 languages to find the right fit for you. All our doctors are registered in Australia by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) for a minimum of 3 years.