Know your risk for severe COVID-19
Almost 1 in 4 Australians may be at risk of developing severe illness from COVID-19.1
Know your risk and plan for COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccinations are recommended for adults, particularly for those at high risk of severe COVID-19.2 Talk to your doctor for advice.
Risk factors for severe COVID-19 include:3
– Aged 70 years or older
– Aged 50 years or older with 2 risk factors, which may include:
Obesity
Diabetes
Heart conditions
Lung conditions such as moderate/severe asthma
Kidney conditions
Liver conditions
Conditions affecting the brain or nerves, such as stroke or dementia
– You may also be at risk if you:
Are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and aged 30+ with any of the above risk factors
Are aged 18+ and moderately to severely immunocompromised
Live in a rural or remote area with limited access to healthcare
Live in aged care
Live with complex and significant disability
Are pregnant
Are on immunosuppressants
At high risk and tested positive to COVID-19? Act now
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.
If you’re at risk, plan for COVID-19
Ensure you are up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations. Ask your doctor for advice.2
Put a plan in place with your doctor so you can take action quickly if you test positive.3 Test early for COVID-19 even if symptoms are mild as they could get worse.4,5
Note that some people may have no symptoms but still test positive for COVID-19.6
Talk to your doctor as soon as you test positive for COVID-19. Oral antivirals are available for certain people at high risk of severe illness who test positive for COVID-19.7 Oral antivirals should be taken as soon as possible and within 5 days of symptoms starting. Ask your doctor for advice.7
#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:
- Clark A, et al. Global, regional, and national estimates of the population at increased risk of severe COVID-19 due to underlying health conditions in 2020: a modelling study. Lancet Glob Health 2020;8(8):e1003-e1017.
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Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. COVID-19 vaccine advice and recommendations for 2024.
https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/covid-19-vaccines/getting-your-vaccination (accessed August 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. Testing for COVID-19.
https://www.health.gov.au/topics/covid-19/testing (accessed June 2024). -
Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. About coronavirus (COVID-19).
https://www.health.gov.au/topics/covid-19/about (accessed June 2024). -
Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. Testing positive for COVID-19.
https://www.health.gov.au/topics/covid-19/testing-positive (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).
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