COVID-19 information
April 2022
Covid-19 is becoming more and more prevalent in the community. People under 65, fully vaccinated, not pregnant and with no medical risk factors ( obesity, diabetes, heart disease, asthma, chronic airway disease, cancer to name a few) who have NO or only MILD symptoms, can be managed at home. If you do not fit into this group, don’t delay calling your GP or the Virtual Hospital (ph: 1800‑960‑933 – open 8.00 am and 8.00 pm, 7 days) for advice.
If you have Covid please do not book a face to face appointment, instead organise a telehealth appointment. While people can de-isolate after seven days if they do not have any symptoms; it is advisable to avoid high risk settings for a further 7 days, that includes our practice as we have high risk patients. As a result, we ask that you arrange a telehealth appointment if you have had Covid in the last 14 days.
Please find below useful resources on managing Covid at home: (As things are changing almost daily, please check the publication date- in particular when referring to close contact definition, testing and isolation requirements.)
At all times, if you have more than mild symptoms (see below) or are concerned, please don’t delay discussing this with a health professional. If your symptoms are severe- chest pain, breathing difficulty, fainting, confused- please call for an ambulance and advise them you are Covid positive.
Testing Positive to Covid- What now?
Information for people exposed to Covid
Release and Recovery from Covid
Managing my symptoms and symptom diary
Managing Mild Covid at home with assistance from your GP
Frequently asked questions for parents and carers of people who need to be isolated due to COVID-19
Accessing mental health resources
USEFUL CONTACTS:
Covid-19 Virtual Hospital PH: 1800‑960‑933. Patients can phone between 8.00 am and 8.00 pm, 7 days to link in with a health service.
COVID-19 Virtual Hospital
Royal North Shore Hospital
Reserve Road, St Leonards 2065
If the patient cannot safely isolate at home, they can call the NSW isolation support line 1800‑943‑553 for advice and assistance.
National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080 (24/7)
AFTER HOURS
If the patient symptoms are getting worse and after-hours support is required, call:
- the NSW Health Support line on 1800‑960‑933 OR
- Healthdirect on 1800‑022‑222
- National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080 (24/7)
- If symptoms become severe, including difficulty breathing, chest pain or fainting, call 000 for an ambulance and to notify them you are COVID-19 positive.
MANAGING SYMPTOMS:
Fever- Take panadol as directed on the label- If fever is persistently over 38 call your doctor
Cough, sore throat, runny nose- manage like a normal cold- If your cough is distressing or you are coughing blood seek help.
Nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea- drink small amounts of fluid frequently, use oral rehydration supplements eg: hydrolyte- if diarrhoea more than 4 times a day, unable to keep fluids down, decrease in urine output or dizzy on standing up- seek help
Breathless, chest pains, rash, severe headache- seek help
MASKS
It is important that if you wear a mask that you are aware of the proper way to put on and remove a mask and please – do not touch your face while wearing a mask.
2020 Information
Attached are some fact sheets you may find useful.
You can also call the National Coronavirus (COVID-19) Health Information Line on 1800 020 080 OR
view www.healthdirect.gov.au for more information and symptom checking. Additonally, healthdirect has a 24 hour health advice service on: 1800 022 222
Coronavirus testing sites- For up-to date sites please refer to the following websites:
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/clinics.aspx
https://sydneynorthhealthnetwork.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/COVID-19-Testing-Options-Factsheet_community.pdf
Coronavirus testing – Just got tested?
Coronavirus- information for older Australians