COVID-19
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms usually begin a few days after contact with the virus and may include:
- fever or chills
- cough
- sore throat
- shortness of breath
- tiredness or weakness
Most people recover from COVID-19 within one to two weeks.
Groups at higher risk
Some people are more likely to become very unwell from COVID-19, including:
- older adults
- pregnant people
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- people with chronic medical conditions or weakened immune systems
These groups should seek medical advice early if they develop symptoms.
Treatment
Most people recover at home with rest, fluids and simple medicines to relieve symptoms.
Some people at higher risk of severe illness may be eligible for antiviral medication. Speak to your health professional if you are concerned about your symptoms.
COVID-19 can sometimes lead to complications, such as pneumonia or worsen existing medical conditions, which may require hospital care.
Transmission
COVID-19 spreads when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks or breathes, releasing droplets and tiny particles into the air.
People can also become infected by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching their face.
You can spread COVID-19 to others before symptoms appear and while you are unwell. People are usually most infectious in the first few days of their illness.
If you have COVID-19 symptoms, stay home until you are feeling better and do not have a fever.
Prevention
Vaccination is the best protection against severe illness from COVID-19.
For the most current advice on vaccination, eligibility and what is funded, use the following links, or speak with your health professional:
- COVID-19 vaccines | Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
- COVID-19 | Vaccination Matters Queensland Health
Other prevention steps
You can also reduce the spread of COVID-19 by:
- staying home when you are sick
- wearing a mask if you need to be around others while unwell
- washing your hands regularly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand rub
- covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow and disposing of used tissues immediately
- avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- cleaning frequently touched surfaces such as door handles
- improving ventilation by opening windows and spending time outdoors
Other resources
- Australian CDC https://www.cdc.gov.au/diseases/covid-19
- Healthdirect COVID-19 — vaccination, testing, symptoms | healthdirect
Help and assistance
If you are concerned about symptoms:
- Call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) or speak to your health professional for advice.