COVID-19 GENERAL FAQs

SYMPTOMS

CORONAVIRUS

Symptoms range from mild to severe

COLD

Gradual onset of symptoms

FLU

Rapid onset of symptoms

HAYFEVER

ASTHMA

Fever(37.8C)

Common

Rare

Common 

No 

No

Cough 

Common (usually dry & continuous)

Mild 

Common (usually dry) 

Sometimes (usually dry)

Sometimes (wheeze & cough) 

Shortness of breath

Sometimes 

No

No

No

Sometimes 

Headache

Sometimes 

Rare 

Common 

Sometimes 

No

Sore throat

Sometimes 

Common 

Sometimes 

‘Itchy’ throat 

No

Runny / stuffy nose

Rare 

Common 

Sometimes 

Common 

No 

Sneezing

No

Common 

No 

Common

Rare

Aches & pains

Sometimes

Common 

Common 

Sometimes 

No

Fatigue

Sometimes

Sometimes 

Common

Sometimes 

No

Diarrhoea

Rare 

No

Sometimes (for children)

No

No

 

What is COVID-19?

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness caused by a new virus first reported in December 2019 in Wuhan City in China.. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause respiratory infections. These can range from the common cold to more serious diseases. Symptoms range from mild flu-like symptoms to pneumonia.

While some people recover easily from the virus, others may get very sick, very quickly. There is evidence that the virus spreads from person to person and as such, it is important to practice good hygiene to help prevent infection.

 

What are the symptoms of COVID-19 (coronavirus)?

Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and may include:

  • Fever
  • Flu-like symptoms such as coughing, sore throat and fatigue
  • Shortness of breath 

 

What should I do if I’m feeling unwell?

To seek medical help from a doctor or hospital, call ahead of time to book an appointment.

You will be asked to take precautions when you attend for treatment. Follow the instructions you are given.

If you believe you have contracted COVID-19 and you have a face mask wear it to protect others. Stay at least 1.5 metres away from other people. Cover your coughs or sneezes with your elbow.

Please inform your doctor of any symptoms, travel history and recent contact with someone who has confirmed COVID-19.

Your doctor will assess the need for you to be tested for COVID-19 based on their consultation with you.

Should I wear a face mask?

Contrary to popular belief, face masks will not protect you against becoming infected. The only people who should wear masks in relation to this virus are those who are unwell. 

The masks can help manage the spread of the virus from those who are infected.

How is COVID-19 treated?

Currently, there is no specific treatment for COVID-19, however most of the symptoms can be treated with proper medical care.

Vaccination

There is no vaccine for COVID-19, but there is one for the flu. You should get your flu shot when it’s available. Getting the flu and COVID-19 at the same time can make you very ill. Scientists from around the world are working on developing a vaccine. The World Health Organisation believes this may be available within 18 months. You can find further information on our Flu Vaccine Clinics here.

How can I protect myself and others from coronavirus?

There are two main ways to protect yourself and others; practicing good hygiene and social distancing.

Good hygiene includes: 

  • Covering your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue

  • Disposing of tissues properly
  • Washing your hands often with soap and water, including before and after eating and after going to the toilet
  • Using alcohol-based hand sanitisers
  • Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces
  • If you are sick, avoiding contact with others and staying more than 1.5 metres away from people.

Social distancing

One way to slow the spread of the virus is social distancing, for example:

  • Staying at home when you are unwell
  • Avoiding large public gatherings if they’re not essential
  • Keeping a distance of 1.5 metres between you and other people whenever possible
  • Minimising physical contact, especially with people at higher risk such as older people and people with existing health conditions.

For more information

please call the Australian Government’s Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080. Alternatively, see further information at:

World Health Organization www.who.int

Australian Government Department of Health www.health.gov.au

Coronavirus (Covid-19) Health Information Line

Call this line if you are seeking information on novel coronavirus. The line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

1800 020 080

Healthdirect Hotline

Call this number to speak to a registered nurse about your health concerns. The hotline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

1800 022 222

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/

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