COVID-19
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to that of a cold or flu and can include:
- fever (37.5oC or higher)
- cough
- sore throat
- difficulty breathing
- runny nose/ nasal congestion
Other symptoms may include:
- headache
- muscle or joint pain
- fatigue
- diarrhoea
- nausea/vomiting
- loss of taste or smell
- loss of appetite.
In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia with severe acute respiratory distress.
Groups at risk of severe disease
The following population groups are considered high risk groups for developing severe disease from COVID-19:
- are 70 years of age or older
- are 50 years of age or older with 2 risk factors including, neurological disease, chronic lung disease (moderate or severe asthma requiring inhaled steroids), heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and kidney disease
- are a First Nations person, 30 years of age or older, with one of the risk factors above
- are 18 years of age or older and moderately to severely immunocompromised
- live in a rural or remote area with limited access to healthcare
- live in a residential aged care facility
- have complex and significant disability
- are pregnant
- are on immunosuppressants
- have certain health conditions.
Testing for COVID-19 and other acute respiratory infections
Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) for COVID-19, influenza and RSV are available for purchase from some retail shops and pharmacies.
Some Queenslanders may be eligible for free COVID-19 RATs which are available in certain locations across Queensland.
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests can also be undertaken by a doctor, nurse or pathology collector. Most private pathology providers require a GP referral and a Medicare card for Medicare to cover the cost of your PCR test. Contact the provider to check whether you need a referral. It is important to check the conditions of bulk-billed testing before a test, or a fee may be charged.
Please note:
- If you require evidence of COVID-19 infection, you can obtain a medical certificate from a relevant health practitioner, including a general practitioner or pharmacist. If the evidence is for your employer, medical certificates or statutory declarations are examples of acceptable forms of evidence.
- No matter the result of a test, if you are unwell you should stay home until you are well again.
Treatment
Most people will not get very sick, with a mild respiratory illness and can manage their symptoms at home.
It is possible to have mild symptoms at the start of an illness but become sicker over time. You should seek medical advice if you:
- are not improving after 2 or 3 days, or are getting sicker;
- have a chronic health condition; or
- are pregnant.
You can use healthdirect's COVID-19 Symptom and Antiviral Eligibility Checker if you’re unsure whether you need medical care for your symptoms.
You should only go to a hospital or call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance if you have severe symptoms like:
- difficulty breathing even when walking around the house
- coughing up blood
- significant chest pain
- collapse or fainting.
Oral treatments are available for people with mild to moderate COVID 19 who are at high risk of becoming very sick.
You need to start oral antiviral treatments within 5 days of symptoms starting. Have an early discussion with your GP or nurse practitioner whether oral antiviral treatment suits your health needs. It's also important to discuss and have a plan in place for getting treatment if you test positive.
Read more about oral treatments for COVID-19
Transmission
COVID-19 is spread when infectious respiratory droplets and particles enter your mouth, nose or eyes in the following ways:
- by breathing them in
- when someone sneezes or coughs near your face
- touching your mouth, nose or eyes with your hands after touching contaminated surfaces.
Prevention
1. Get vaccinated
Vaccines are your best protection against severe illness, hospitalisation, and death from COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective and are available free of charge, even if you don’t have a Medicare card.
Older people and people with certain medical conditions – including infants and children – are at the highest risk of severe disease or death from COVID-19.
COVID-19 vaccine recommendations are based on several factors, including age, time since last dose and presence of certain medical conditions. New recommendations are made based on the changing COVID-19 situation. The Omicron XBB.1.5 variant vaccines are now preferred for all individuals who are recommended to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
As with all vaccinations, people are encouraged to discuss the vaccine options available to them with their health practitioner. You can also use the booster eligibility tool to determine whether you are eligible for a COVID-19 booster vaccination.
For frequently asked questions about COVID-19 vaccines, please visit the COVID-19 vaccine advice and recommendations for 2024 | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care or the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS).
Further information COVID-19 vaccine
2. Stay home when you are sickPeople with COVID-19 symptoms should stay home when they are sick, except for medical care or other urgent reasons until:
- at least 24 hours after their last fever, and
- there is significant improvement in their symptoms.
3. Stop the spread
The following public health social measures are recommended to reduce COVID-19 transmission in the community:
- keep your COVID-19 vaccination status up to date
- stay home if you are sick.
- wash your hands often using soap and water or hand sanitiser.
- sneeze or cough into your arm or a tissue. Put the tissue in the bin.
- clean frequently touched surfaces regularly
- if you need to leave the house while infectious, wear a face mask when you can't socially distance or whenever face masks are required.
- improve indoor air quality e.g. opening doors and windows
Read more about COVID-19 prevention
Other resources
- For up-to-date global information visit the World Health Organisation.
- For up-to-date Australian information and resources visit the Australian Government Department of Health website.
- For up-to-date Queensland information visit the Queensland Government website
- Guidelines for a person diagnosed with COVID-19 or symptoms of an acute respiratory infection in Queensland
- Immunisation Schedule Queensland
Help and assistance
For further information on COVID-19, contact 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84).