COVID-19 (coronavirus)

COVID-19 can be serious and require hospitalisation but most cases are mild and can be safely managed at home.

This document contains important information about how to look after yourself while you have COVID-19 and what to do if your condition changes.

When to seek help

When paramedics assessed you, they found that your illness could safely be managed at home with the support of your COVID Positive Pathways Program or doctor.

It is important to monitor your symptoms as your condition may change and you may need more help.

Stay at home and care for yourself

If you have mild symptoms, such as:

Dry cough
Sore throat
Runny nose
Aches and pains
Occasional vomiting or diarrhoea
Fever
Headache

You should:

Stay hydrated

Keep a bottle of water nearby, drink plenty of water and fill it up throughout the day
Get as much rest as you can

Good quality rest will help you to recover quicker
Do a little gentle exercise every day

Gentle walking around the house or garden
Try to eat several small regular meals throughout the day
Consider taking paracetamol or ibuprofen as directed on the packaging for aches and pains, fever or headaches

Over the counter medicines may help with symptoms but do not take them if you have previously been told by doctor that they may be harmful to you.
Take any other medicines as required

As discussed with your doctor or other health professional

If your symptoms get worse you may need to change your plan

Check if your symptoms fit into the other categories below

Contact a doctor

If you get any new moderate symptoms, such as:

Mild shortness of breath when moving around or coughing
Mild chest discomfort when coughing
Coughing up mucous regularly
Temperature above 38°C for longer than 2 days
Severe muscle aches and pains
Severe shakes and shivers
Vomiting or diarrhoea for longer than 2 days
Little or no urination
Light-headedness that only lasts for a moment

Your symptoms are getting much worse instead of staying the same or getting better
You are unable to take care of yourself and others are unable to take care of you (things like washing, putting on clothes, going to the toilet or making food)

You should be assessed by a healthcare professional:

Contact your COVID Positive Pathways Program if you have one.
If you don’t, contact a doctor for a telehealth appointment.
If you can’t make a doctor’s appointment, go to your local hospital emergency department in your own car.
If you’re not able to get to hospital, call Triple Zero (000) and ask for Ambulance.

If your symptoms get worse you may need to change your plan

Check if your symptoms fit into the category below

Call Triple Zero (000) and ask for Ambulance

If you develop any severe symptoms, such as:

Severe shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Becoming short of breath even when resting and not moving around
- Becoming breathless when talking and finding it hard to finish sentences
- Your breathing gets worse suddenly
Chest pain that is constant or severe
Lips or face turning blue
Fainting or often feeling like you will faint
Agitation, confusion, or severe drowsiness
You feel something is very wrong, are concerned you are getting much worse and need help immediately

You should call 000 immediately, tell them your symptoms and let them know you have COVID-19.

Depending on your condition, an ambulance may be sent, or a paramedic or nurse may speak to you over the phone to help you get the best care for your situation.

What to do now

Get tested

If you haven’t had a COVID test since developing your current symptoms, then you will need to be tested immediately.

You can test yourself with a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) if you have one or find your nearest COVID testing location here. If the RAT result is negative despite having symptoms you should seek a PCR test from a COVID testing location as PCR results are more sensitive in the early stages of infection.

The COVID test at a COVID testing center is free for everyone. This includes people without a Medicare card, such as visitors from overseas, migrant workers and asylum seekers.

Isolate at home

Your doctor or the clinic where you were tested will contact you by phone or SMS to deliver your results.

If you have received a positive COVID-19 test result, you must follow the public health directions and stay at home, unless you need to seek medical attention.

If you need to leave home to seek medical attention, you must wear a mask, wash your hands regularly and notify your healthcare professional that you are COVID positive before and after arriving.

Taking care of yourself

It is important to take care of your mental and physical health while you have COVID-19.

Click here for more information or speak to the COVID Positive Pathway Program, your GP or other healthcare professional.

If this raises personal issues for your or you feel you are not coping help is also available from:

Lifeline Australia 13 11 14
A crisis service that provides support at any time.
Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
Provides specialist help for people in isolation.
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
A free and confidential counselling service for young people

Ambulance Victoria is a critical link in Victoria's healthcare system. We welcome your comments as they assist us to improve our services. If you wish to provide feedback, please contact Patient Experience and Consumer Participation Department either via patientexperience@ambulance.vic.gov.au or call 1800 875 137.

*Calls from mobile phones may be charged at a higher rate