Managing your symptoms - COVID-19
Most people will have minor symptoms just as you would for many other mild viruses, particularly if you are vaccinated and otherwise healthy. Most people will be able to manage their symptoms at home while isolating.
If you're unsure whether you need medical care for your symptoms, or if you feel you might require medical assessment or treatment, you can use the healthdirect Symptom Checker.
How to look after yourself at home
Most people will be able to manage their symptoms at home. It is important to:
- get lots of rest
- drink plenty of fluids (water is best) to avoid dehydration – drink enough so your pee is light yellow and clear
- take an over-the-counter pain medicine, like paracetamol or ibuprofen, if you feel uncomfortable
- keep in contact (not face to face) with family and friends who can check in on how you are doing
- keep a COVID-19 symptom diary , so you can track if your symptoms get worse.
While you are staying home, use our tips on looking after your mental wellbeing. If you are worried about your mental health, read about when to seek help and the mental health services available to support you.
It is possible to have mild symptoms at the start of your illness but become sicker over time. Read what to do if you get sicker.
Medicines for COVID-19
Medicines for COVID-19 (including antiviral medicines) are available for people at high risk of developing severe illness. These medicines can reduce the need for you to go to hospital. Treatment needs to start within five days of developing symptoms or testing positive to COVID‑19. Check to see if you are eligible and find out who to talk to about your options.
Get medical advice
Most people will not get very sick and can manage their symptoms at home, just as you would for many other mild viruses.
It is possible to have mild symptoms at the start of your 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
- are pregnant.
You can use healthdirect's Symptom 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.
If you need to call Triple Zero (000) or go to a hospital, tell them you have COVID-19.
If you have a speech and/or hearing impairment and use telecommunication devices for the deaf, contact the Text Emergency Relay Service on 106.
Leaving home to get medical care
Stay home to isolate until you no longer have acute respiratory symptoms.
You should only leave home for emergency medical care. If it is not an emergency but you think you may need to speak to a doctor, arrange a telehealth appointment with a GP or health provider.
If you are unable to drive yourself, and it's an emergency, call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance.
You should:
- wear a face mask
- keep your distance from other people as much as you can
- handle your own belongings
- use hand sanitiser.
When you arrive at the hospital, tell the healthcare workers that you have COVID-19.