COVID-19 cases and contacts (2023)

The following advice is recommended for people who have tested positive for COVID-19:

Stay at home and avoid contact with other people

The contagion time for COVID-19 can vary, but most people are considered contagious 48 hours before symptoms begin and for at least 5 days, but you can be contagious for up to 10 days.

• Stay at home for at least 5 days and until your symptoms have resolved to prevent spreading the disease to others.
• Avoid close contact with people who are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill with COVID-19.
• Do not visit high-risk facilities such as hospitals, shelters for the disabled, mental health and elder care facilities, and other healthcare facilities (unless you need care or urgent medical treatment) for at least 7 days after testing positive for COVID-19.

Record your positive RAT result

If you test positive with a rapid antigen test (RAT), this is recommendedRegister your result online.

You don't have to record your result if you test positive with a PCR test.

Tell your close contacts that you have COVID-19

It is likely that you were in close contact with other people while you were infected.

Keep proof of your positive test result in case you need to show it to your employer. Evidence can be:

• a dated photo of your positive rapid antigen test (RAT)
• the result of your PCR testMy health record
• Your SMS with your PCR test result
• the text message you received from WA Health after recording your positive RAT resultWA healthyor test positive by PCR test. Please do not delete this SMS - it is proof of your COVID-positive status and cannot be resent at a later date.

recreation

You must stay at home for the full 5 days and until your symptoms have subsided.

Some people may continue to experience mild or intermittent symptoms after recovering from COVID-19.

If you have new symptoms of COVID-19 more than 35 days after your last COVID-19 infection, you may have been reinfected and should be tested for COVID-19 again.

A close contact is a household, family contact, or intimate partner of a person with COVID-19 who was in contact with them during the time they were infected.

The contagion time for a person with COVID-19 is measured from 48 hours before symptoms appear (or 48 hours before a person tests positive if they have no symptoms).

If you work in a high-risk environment, e.g. B. in a hospital, nursing home or other healthcare setting (e.g. GP, dentist or physical therapy clinic, Aboriginal Medical Services) please tell your employer if you are going to be a closer contact and check the rules for your workplace .

What to do if you are a close contact with no symptoms

If you are a close contact with no symptoms, it is recommended that you:

• monitor forCOVID-like symptomsand get tested for COVID-19 if symptoms develop
• Test for COVID-19 daily for 5 days before leaving home with a rapid antigen test (RAT) (Free rats are availablefor close contacts)
• Tell your employer that you are a close contact and discuss when you should return to work
• wear a maskindoors and on public transport
• Avoid large gatherings and crowded indoor spaces
• Contact your place of work if you are a worker in a high-risk environment, including healthcare professionals, to review rules for showing up for work as a symptom-free close contact
• Do not visit high-risk facilities such as hospitals, shelters for the disabled, mental health and aged care facilities, and other healthcare facilities (unless you need urgent medical care or treatment) for at least 7 days after becoming a close contact.

What to do in case of close contact with symptoms?

If you have close contact with symptoms, it is recommended that you:

• test for COVID-19 as soon as possible after symptoms appear
• Stay at home for at least 5 days and until symptoms disappear, even if the test result is negative
• Do not visit high-risk facilities such as hospitals, homes for the disabled, mental health and aged care facilities, and other healthcare facilities (unless you need urgent medical care or treatment) for at least 7 days and until symptoms resolve.
• Once symptoms have resolved, as a worker in a high-risk environment, you should contact your workplace to review rules for showing up for work as a symptom-free close contact

recovered cases

If you have recovered from COVID-19 and have been exposed to a case of COVID-19 within 35 days of your previous infection, you are not considered a close contact.

Most people with COVID-19 can take care of themselves, but it's important to monitor your symptoms and know when to seek medical help.

If you are at increased risk of serious illness you should contact your doctor immediately as antiviral treatments must be started within 5 days of the onset of symptoms of COVID-19.

You can use to monitor your COVID-19 symptomsMy COVID-19 Symptom Diary.

Mild symptoms (rest and recover at home)

The most common symptoms are fever, fatigue, loss of taste and/or smell, cough and increased phlegm. Other symptoms include headache, sore throat, mild shortness of breath, muscle or joint pain, runny nose, chills, occasional vomiting or diarrhea.

• Try to get plenty of rest, drink water, and eat well.
• If needed, take pain-relieving medication (such as acetaminophen at recommended doses) to relieve some symptoms.
• If you have other medical needs or concerns about your health, consult your doctor (e.g. your general practitioner).

Worsening of symptoms (Call your GP)

Contact your GP as soon as possible if you develop worsening symptoms such as shortness of breath when moving or coughing, coughing up phlegm regularly, severe muscle pain, feeling weak and tired, or having little or no urination.

Other worsening symptoms include vomiting or diarrhea, a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or higher, and tremors or chills.

Severe Symptoms (Reputation 000)

Call Triple Zero (000) immediately if you or the person you care for has any of the following symptoms (don't wait to see if the symptoms change):

• Shortness of breath at rest and/or you cannot speak in sentences
• chest pain or pressure
• cough up blood
• severe headache or dizziness
• Confusion (e.g. can't remember day, time or people's names)
• feeling weak or sleepy
• I have a hard time keeping my eyes open
• not urinating or urinating much less than normal
• Lips or face turn blue
• the skin is cold, clammy, pale, mottled, or turning blue
• loss of consciousness

If you call an ambulance (select Triple Zero –000), tell the staff member that you have COVID-19 so the paramedics know how to treat you safely.

All people are at risk of contracting COVID-19, but some groups are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill. These groups include:

• Seniors (especially over 65)
• Individuals who are not up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations
• pregnant woman
• People with other health conditions (e.g. lung disease including asthma, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, kidney failure, neurological disease, cancer)
• immunocompromised individuals (due to a medical condition or certain medications/treatments)
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (particularly those aged 35+)
• some people living with a disability
• Residents of old people's and handicapped facilities

If you are at increased risk of serious illness from COVID-19, plan ahead and consult your GP or specialist to find out if you are eligible for COVID-19 treatments (e.g. antiviral drugs) and testing options ( RAT or PCR) come into question. if you develop COVID-like symptoms and develop an individual treatment plan in case you contract COVID-19.

If you test positive for COVID-19, contact your doctor immediately, as antiviral treatments must be taken within 5 days of the onset of symptoms. Medications cannot be prescribed until you have tested positive for COVID-19.

COVID-19 health support

For medical advice you can call healthdirect on 1800 022 222. For general advice you can call the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080.

Fornon-urgent health advice:

• Call your doctor
• visit a pharmacy
• call healthdirect Australia on 1800 022 222.

You should go to an emergency room (ED) if you have a serious or life-threatening condition. Call 000 for an ambulance.

Other useful contacts:

• COVID-19 symptoms and antiviral drug proficiency testing:healthdirect symptom checker | Health Direct (external website)

immunocompromised people

A weakened immune system means your immune system isn't protecting you from infection as well as it should. You may be immunocompromised because of a condition you were born with or have since developed, or because of medications or treatments for a condition.

Not all immunocompromised people are eligible for prescribed treatments.

resources

people at higher risk

Use the above information in connection with the following websites:

• Australian Government Department of Health (external website)
• Australasian Society for Clinical Immunology and Allergy (externe Website)

services for the disabled

• COVID-19 Support: Services for the Disabled (externe Seite)
• Information for people with disabilities, their families and carers (external website)
• Information for service providers for people with disabilities (external website)

elderly care

• COVID-19 Information for Senior Carers and Community Carers (external website).

native people

• COVID-19 resources for Aboriginal people
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and COVID-19 (external website)

Antiviral drugs are available for some people who are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill with COVID-19. This medicine should be taken within the first 5 days of the onset of symptoms.

Medicines are only prescribed after you have tested positive for COVID-19. Your doctor will determine which medication is best for you and whether it is safe for you. They will also discuss the risks and benefits of using the treatment.

Medications have treatment benefits but may carry some risk of side effects. Take medications as directed by your doctor and do not share prescription medications with friends or family.

Eligibility for antiviral drugs

You may be eligible for oral antiviral medications if you:

• 18 years or older and moderately to severely immunocompromised
• 50 years or older with 2 or more risk factors for serious illness
• an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person aged 30 years or older with 1 or more risk factors for serious illness
• 70 years or older

Eligibility also depends on factors such as For example, what other medications you are taking and whether you are pregnant.

Your doctor can determine if you are a candidate for oral antiviral medications.

Access to oral antiviral drugs

Antiviral medicines are prescribed by your GP or specialist. They should be started within 5 days of the onset of COVID-19 symptoms.

The prescribing doctor can send an electronic script to a pharmacy. Medicines may need to be given to you by the pharmacy or have someone collect them on your behalf when you are recovering at home.

Antiviral drugs are listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme (PBS).

If you have COVID-19, it is best to see a doctor or specialist who knows your medical condition. You can request a telemedical consultation appointment by telephone or attend oneGP Respiratory Clinic.

Visit aAustralian Department of Health websitefor more information on oral treatments for COVID-19.

Drug information sheets for patients with COVID-19:

• COVID-19 drug information for consumers (PDF 310 KB)
• Nirmatrelvir + Ritonavir (Paxlovid®)
• Molnupiravir (Lagevrio®)

Take care of your child's health

Most children have mild or no symptoms (see above), but they can still pass the virus on to others. Children with obesity, chronic heart, lung, or neurological problems can contract COVID-19.

Fever like COVID-19

fever (external site)it is commonly experienced with most viral diseases.

If your child is fine, the fever does not need treatment. If they seem irritated or uncomfortable, acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be used.

Ibuprofen is best taken with meals and no more than three times a day.

Paracetamol can be taken on an empty stomach up to four times a day.

You can use acetaminophen and ibuprofen at the same time or alternate between the two to allow for more frequent dosing if needed.

Treatment

If your child has COVID-19 and is unwell, you can treat the symptoms like a cold or flu. This can include:

• Promote fluid and rest
• Feed infants more frequently with smaller amounts
• administration of paracetamol and/or ibuprofen (as described above)
• Administering saline drops for nasal congestion

When to the doctor

Contact your child's doctor if your child:

• Breathing effort, rapid breathing, or long pauses between breaths
• very sleepy, difficult to wake up, or confused
• shows signs ofdesiccation (external side).
• suffer from severe chest or abdominal pain that does not go away after taking painkillers
• suffer from persistent dizziness or headaches
• have a persistent fever that lasts more than 5 days, or your baby under 3 months has a fever
• have pain or swelling in your legs.

Some general practices and practices will not allow people with COVID symptoms or cases of COVID-19 into their facilities. If you contact the clinic or office, let them know your child has COVID-19 or similar symptoms so they can determine if a telemedicine appointment should be scheduled.

If your child is scheduled for a health check while they have COVID-19, you may be able to reschedule or schedule a telemedicine appointment.

resources

• COVID-19 Resource Center (external website)for factsheets, videos and articles on a variety of topics.

It's normal to feel stressed, worried, and anxious when you have COVID-19 or are caring for someone with COVID-19. It can be helpful to talk to friends and family about how you are feeling.

Avoid home visits

Avoid visiting your home while you are ill or have COVID-like symptoms. If people other than family members come to your home, let them know you have COVID-19 and keep your distance from them.

Protect others when you have COVID-19

• Stay and sleep in a separate room if possible
• Avoid contact with others when using the shared bathroom and kitchen facilities
• Avoid other shared areas such as dining rooms and lounges when used by other people.
• wear a maskin common areas or when caring for other household members and try to keep at least 1.5 meters away from other people
• Clean surfaces with detergents and disinfectants when you have finished using a common area
• Wash used dishes in the dishwasher or clean thoroughly with hot, soapy water
• Do your own laundry and use the washing machine's hottest setting
• Avoid all other contact, including touching, kissing, hugging, and intimate contact with other people
• Open doors and windows to let in fresh air when safety and weather permit.

care about others

If you are caring for young children or other family members, it may not be possible to meet all contact minimization recommendations. It is important to try what is practical and safe. For example alwayswear a maskand wash your hands regularly while caring for others in your home.

Living with people at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19

Be sure to stay separate from any family members who are elderly, immunocompromised, or have health conditions such as heart, lung, or kidney problems.

Within 35 days of previous infection

There is a small risk of reinfection with COVID-19 within 35 days of the previous infection. The probability depends on factors such as B. whether your immune response is impaired (e.g. by medication for other diseases). Other factors include your vaccination history, the level of exposure to the virus in the community, and how different that virus is from the strain that caused your previous infection.

You should stay home if you have COVID-like symptoms (runny nose, sore throat, cough, fever).

If you are at increased risk of serious illness from COVID-19 and develop new COVID-like symptoms, contact your doctor or healthcare provider for advice.

More than 35 days after infection

If you experience new COVID-like symptoms more than 35 days after your last COVID-19 infection, you may have been reinfected and should do sotest again.Follow COVID-19 case advice when testing positive or close contacts.

lange COVID

The World Health Organization defines the post-COVID-19 condition - commonly known as long-term COVID - as the presence of persistent symptoms three months after an initial COVID-19 infection, lasting at least two months. Most symptoms gradually disappear, and it is uncommon for symptoms to last longer than a year.

Common long-term symptoms of COVID include:

• extreme exhaustion (fatigue)
• shortness of breath
• persistent cough
• "Brain fog" or problems with memory and concentration
• Depression
• Headache
• mood swings

See your GP if you think you may have COVID. Your doctor may order tests to determine if your symptoms are caused by long-term COVID or another health condition.

Your doctor can also give you advice on how to manage your symptoms.

The best way to avoid long-term COVID is to keep up to date with vaccinations and avoid infection by continuing to follow public health advice (e.g. distance from others and wearing a mask if necessary).