Need advice or to get tested?
If you have COVID-19 symptoms, call 1800 999 880.
Symptoms of Corona Virus include cough, sore/scratchy throat, shortness of breath or fever.
Other reported symptoms of COVID-19 include loss of smell, loss of taste, runny nose, muscle pain, joint pain, diarrhoea, nausea/vomiting, and loss of appetite.
In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia with severe acute respiratory distress.
If you are struggling to breathe please call 000 straight away.
What is the difference between COVID-19 and the flu?
The first symptoms of COVID-19 and influenza (flu) infections are often very similar. They both cause fever and similar respiratory symptoms, which can then range from mild through to severe disease, and sometimes can be fatal.
Both viruses are also transmitted in the same way, by coughing or sneezing, or by contact with hands, surfaces or objects contaminated with the virus. As a result, the same public health measures, such as hand hygiene (hand washing), good respiratory etiquette (coughing into your elbow or into a tissue and immediately disposing of the tissue) and good household cleaning are important actions to prevent both infections.
The speed of transmission is an important difference between the two viruses. Influenza typically has a shorter incubation period (the time from infection to appearance of symptoms) than COVID-19. This means that influenza can spread faster than COVID-19.
While most people have mild symptoms, approximately 15% of people have severe infections and 5% require intensive care in a hospital ICU. The proportions of severe and critical COVID-19 infections are higher than for influenza infection.
Will the flu vaccine protect against COVID-19?
No, but it is more important than ever to get a flu vaccine this year. Flu vaccination reduces your chances of getting influenza, which means it also reduces the risk of you having two potentially serious infections, influenza and COVID-19, at the same time.
People are encouraged to discuss with their GP or other immunisation providers how to organise to get their influenza vaccination with the physical distancing requirements and other measures in place to minimise potential exposure to coronavirus.
How can COVID-19 be prevented?
Some simple measures significantly reduce the risk of catching COVID-19 and of spreading it:
- Clean your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand rub/sanitiser.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing and sneezing or use your elbow, not your hands
- Avoid close contact with people unwell with cold or flu-like symptoms and stay home if you have these symptoms.
- Avoid touching your face and avoid shaking hands with others.
- Try to maintain a distance of 1.5 metres from others as much as possible and avoid crowded places.
All information from NSW Government Health website to find out any more information please click the link below:
