On this page Show New variants are currently causing a surge in COVID-19 cases. There are some important ways you can protect yourself, others and our healthcare system. When leaving home please wear a mask when indoors or in crowded places. Cover your cough and wash your hands. Remember physical distancing. Test if you have symptoms and stay home if you have COVID-19. Together we can help slow the spread. Visit Australia.gov.au. Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra. VaccinationCOVID-19 vaccinations are free for everyone in Australia. Getting vaccinated is the best way to keep you, your family, friends, and the community safe. Find a clinic and book Getting vaccinated has many benefits, including:
Beanies, scarves, fluffy socks, rummage through that winter box. Warm soups, oversized knits, dig into those footy kits. Add getting your Flu shot and staying up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations to your winter to-do list. It’s safe to get both vaccines at the same time. And more important than ever, with people being more vulnerable to illnesses this winter. Book today at your GP or participating pharmacy. Authorised by the Australian Government Canberra. TreatmentsMore people who are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 are now eligible for oral antiviral treatments, taken as tablets or capsules at home. You may be eligible if you’re:
Talk to your health professional about your risk factors and treatment options. VO: Hello, I’m Professor Michael Kidd. New oral treatments are now available for COVID-19. These are available to those at high risk of severe illness to help fight infection if you contract the virus and they can be taken at home. You’ll need a prescription and they must be taken as soon as possible after symptoms begin. So if you’re in a high risk group, talk to your healthcare professional now to be prepared. For more information and to find out if you’re eligible, visit Australia.gov.au Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra. TestingYou should get tested for COVID-19 if:
Find out more about COVID-19 tests. If you’re at higher risk of severe illness, have COVID-19 symptoms and test negative on a RAT (Rapid Antigen Test), get a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test. Occasionally, RATS may not detect a COVID-19 infection straight away, so it’s important to get a PCR at a state or territory testing site. COVID-19 oral antiviral treatments need to be started early after testing positive. Talk to your health professional about your COVID-19 treatment options. Rapid antigen tests, also known as RATs, are a quick way to test if you have COVID-19. You can buy rapid antigen tests in pharmacies and supermarkets. There are different types of rapid antigen tests you can use to check if you have COVID-19. Some use your saliva, while others use a sample collected from inside your nose. Each test works a little differently, so you must follow the instructions carefully to make sure you get an accurate result. Results may take up to 30 minutes to show. Remember, a test can only be used once. To find out more about rapid antigen tests, call the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080, and press 8 if you need an interpreter. You can also visit health.gov.au MasksWearing a mask can help protect you and those around you. To use a mask properly you should:
Masks help stop the spread of viruses and reduce our risk of getting sick. There are many good reasons for wearing them. We wear masks to protect ourselves or to help protect more vulnerable people. We may be required to wear a mask when using public transport, or catching a plane, or when visiting a medical or high risk facility. If you see someone wearing a mask respect their choice. And keep a mask handy, so you can use it when needed. Physical distancingThe more space between you and others, the harder it is for the virus to spread. Physical distancing means:
HygieneSteps you can take include:
Other protections and support
Last updated: 4 August 2022 How long does long COVID last?How long does long COVID last? The average duration of long COVID is about 3 to 4 months, but this can vary. A small number of people may develop long COVID that has an ongoing effect on their lungs, heart, blood clotting, or cause diabetes.
Can you get COVIDIf you have a weak immune system, youre more likely to get COVID-19 again, even if youre vaccinated and youve had the virus before. Thats because the vaccine may not be as effective for you. Doctors recommend taking booster shots to lower your odds of reinfection.
Who are at higher risk of developing serious illness from COVIDOlder people, and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.
Is it possible to get reinfected with the Omicron variant after a confirmed COVIDThere is a lower risk of reinfection with the Omicron variant within the first 3 months following a confirmed infection, particularly if you have already had at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose. Waiting for a 3-month period after infection before your next COVID-19 dose is also intended to optimise your protection.
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