Most people with COVID-19 can look after themselves however, it is important to monitor your symptoms and know when to seek medical help.
If you are at greater risk of severe illness, you should contact your GP immediately, as antiviral treatments need to be started within 5 days of developing COVID-19 symptoms.
You can monitor your COVID-19 symptoms using the My COVID-19 symptoms diary.
Mild symptoms (rest and recover at home)
Common symptoms include fever or chills, cough, sore throat, mild shortness of breath, runny or blocked nose, and loss of smell and/or taste. Other symptoms include headache, fatigue, muscle or joint pains, occasional vomiting or diarrhoea.
For mild symptoms:
- try to get plenty of rest, drink water, and eat well
- take pain-relieving medication (such as paracetamol) if required to help to reduce some symptoms
- call your healthcare provider (such as your GP) if you have other ongoing medical needs or concerns about your health.
Worsening symptoms (call your GP)
Contact your GP as soon as possible if you develop worsening symptoms such as shortness of breath when moving around or coughing, coughing up mucous regularly, severe muscle aches, feeling very weak and tired, or are passing little or no urine.
Other worsening symptoms include vomiting or diarrhoea, a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or higher, and shakes or shivers.
Severe symptoms (call 000)
Call Triple Zero (000) immediately if you, or the person you are caring for experience any of the following (do not wait to see if the symptoms change):
- breathlessness at rest and/or you’re unable to speak in sentences
- pain or pressure in the chest
- coughing up blood
- severe headaches or dizziness
- confusion (e.g. can’t recall the day, time or people’s names)
- feeling faint or drowsy
- finding it difficult to keep eyes open
- passing no urine or a lot less urine than usual
- lips or face turning blue
- skin is cold, clammy, pale, mottled or turning blue
- loss of consciousness
When you call an ambulance (dial Triple Zero – 000), let the operator know you have COVID-19 so the paramedics know how to treat you safely.