It’s likely that most Queenslanders will either get COVID-19, or be directly exposed to someone who has COVID-19.
Now is the time to get COVID-Ready.
Some people in our community are at a higher risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19 because of a number of pre-existing health issues. If you are at a higher risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19, the best chance of protecting yourself and others is to get vaccinated, if your health condition allows you to do so.
Here are a few simple steps you can take to keep yourself, your friends, and your family safe:
People at high risk of serious illness from COVID-19
People who are at high risk of serious illness include those who:
are unvaccinated
are over 70
have had transplants
are currently having treatment for cancer (chemotherapy or radiotherapy)
are living with chronic illness or immune suppressive diseases
have had a form of blood cancer in the past 5 years, such as leukaemia, or lymphoma.
The risk of serious illness can increase if you’re living with multiple health conditions and are diagnosed with COVID-19. The best way to protect yourself is to get vaccinated. To discuss your health options, visit your health care worker or doctor.
People at moderate risk of serious illness from COVID-19
People who are at moderate risk of serious illness include those who:
live in residential aged care
live with a disability
are pregnant
live in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
suffer from chronic illnesses and diseases including heart disease
have diabetes, high or low blood pressure or severe obesity
suffer from neurological conditions such as stroke or dementia
have had a form of cancer in the past 12 months (non-blood).
The risk of serious illness can increase if you’re living with multiple health conditions and are diagnosed with COVID-19. The best way to protect yourself is to get vaccinated. To discuss your health options, visit your health care worker or doctor.
Aged care residents
Some people who live residential aged care may only experience mild symptoms while some will be at greater risk of getting seriously ill. This may be because you:
have pre-existing health conditions such as a respiratory condition, a compromised immune system, heart disease or diabetes
may not be able to wear a face mask
are living in supported accommodation or group residential settings and cannot socially distance from others
live a long way from a hospital
are aged 70 years and over.
Even if you have mild symptoms you will be admitted to a hospital once you test positive so you can get the care you need, and keep the rest of your facility safe.
Some people who live with a disability may only experience mild symptoms while some will be at greater risk of getting seriously ill. This may be because you:
have pre-existing health conditions such as a respiratory condition, a compromised immune system, heart disease or diabetes
cannot socially distance from others because you need assistance and support
may not be able to wear a face mask
are living in supported accommodation or group residential settings
might not be able to isolate safely from others
live a long way from a hospital
are aged 70 and over.
Even if you have mild symptoms you might be admitted to a hospital so you can get the care you need.
If you are pregnant there is a greater risk you could become seriously ill if you get COVID-19, and it is more likely you will require hospital care.
This risk increases if you are pregnant and are:
older than 35
overweight or obese
have pre-existing conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes (type 1 or 2).
To reduce the risk to you and your baby, it’s important to get vaccinated.
If you have any concerns or need to know more, talk to your health care worker or doctor.
While the risk to your unborn baby is relatively low if you get COVID-19 while pregnant, there have been some instances where babies have been born prematurely and have needed hospital care. The best way to protect yourself and your baby is to get vaccinated.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander remote communities
If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person who lives in a rural or remote community, you have an increased risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19. Find out more about the reasons behind the increased risk and ways to access help if you are part of a remote community.
If you get COVID-19 and need to isolate, it may be too late to get the essentials in order. Be prepared and do what you can now.
Your kit should include:
a thermometer
pain relief
your regular medications
a plan for who can look after your children, pets, or people in your care only if you have to go to hospital
face masks, hand sanitiser and gloves
a plan for how you’ll get food and essentials for two weeks such as frozen meals, long life milk, and supplies and food for your pets. If possible, arrange a friend or family member who doesn’t live with you to shop for you and leave it at your door
phone numbers for people you can call if you need help
stay-at-home activities to keep you entertained
a COVID Care Plan in case you get COVID-19. You can give it to your health worker or doctor if you need to go to hospital.
If you get COVID-19, you will need to isolate at home.
Here are some things you can prepare ahead of time.
A thermometer to track your temperature.
Pain medication to help with symptoms such as headaches.
Your regular medications.
A plan for how you’ll get food and essentials for two weeks, such as frozen meals, pet food, and baby formula.
Face masks, hand sanitizer and gloves.
Stay at home activities to keep you entertained.
Phone numbers for people you can call if you need help or support.
A COVID Care Plan you can give to your doctor or other health workers.
Plan for who can look after your children, pets, or people in your care if you need to go to hospital.
And remember to wash your hands, socially distance and stay home if you are sick.
For more information visit the Queensland Health website.
COVID care plan
The COVID Care Plan includes important information about you, your health and people in your household. You can share it with:
your doctor
other health workers
hospital staff
a friend or family member.
If you live in residential aged care or accommodation for people with a disability, you won’t need to complete a COVID Care Plan. Your carers already have the right information on hand.
