Check for COVID-19 symptoms
It is not easy to tell the difference between the symptoms of COVID-19 and those of other illnesses such as the flu or common cold.1
If you’re at risk of severe COVID-19, test early and act fast.2
Symptoms of COVID-19:1
Fever or chills
Cough
Shortness of breath or
difficulty breathing
Sore throat
Other symptoms include:1
Muscle or body aches
Headache
Temporary loss of smell or altered
loss of taste
Fatigue
Congestion or runny nose
Nausea or loss of appetite
Diarrhoea or vomiting
Dizziness
Talk to your doctor without delay. If you don’t have a regular GP or can’t get an appointment with them, you can find a GP below. Telehealth (phone) services may be available.
What to do if you test positive
If you test positive for COVID-19 and are at risk of severe illness from COVID-19, contact your doctor without delay.2 Oral antivirals are available for certain people at high risk of severe illness who test positive for COVID-19. Oral antivirals should be taken as soon as possible and within 5 days of symptoms starting. Ask your doctor for advice.3
What COVID-19 test should you have?
There are two types of tests that can detect the presence of COVID-19: rapid antigen tests (RATs) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR or RT-PCR) tests.4
You can test yourself at home using a RAT. You can buy these tests from pharmacies, or retailers including major supermarkets and petrol stations.4
While a PCR test is generally better at detecting the virus than a RAT,5 you have to contact your GP for a referral or visit a COVID-19 testing clinic (if they are available in your state or territory.)4
#PlanForCOVID
Talk to your family and friends about planning for COVID-19
By clicking on the links below, you will be leaving planforcovid.com.au and be directed to another website, which MSD Australia has not developed. The information you are about to be referred to may not comply with Australian regulatory requirements. Information relevant to the Australian environment is available from MSD Australia.
We have linked to healthdirect – a government-funded virtual health service that provides access to health advice and information via a website, app and telephone helpline to help people manage their health and connect them to the right care at the right time.
References:
-
HealthDirect. COVID-19 symptoms.
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/covid-19/symptoms (accessed June 2024). -
Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. Groups at higher risk from COVID-19.
https://www.health.gov.au/topics/covid-19/protect-yourself-and-others/high-risk-groups (accessed June 2024). -
Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. Oral treatments for COVID-19.
https://www.health.gov.au/topics/covid-19/oral-treatments (accessed June 2024). -
Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. Testing for COVID-19.
https://www.health.gov.au/topics/covid-19/testing (accessed June 2024). -
Therapeutic Goods Administration. How testing works for COVID-19.
https://www.tga.gov.au/products/covid-19/covid-19-tests/how-testing-works-covid-19 (accessed July 2024).
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