Are you at risk of getting very sick from COVID-19?
COVID can feel mild at first, like a cold — but for some people it can worsen quickly and lead to serious health problems.
Know that if you're 70 or older, or have a health condition you're at higher risk
Go check your risk and see if you're eligible for anti-viral medicines
Antiviral medicines can help stop the virus from multiplying and making you very sick
Take the antiviral eligibility quiz
Check if you are eligible for antiviral medicines with this 2-minute quiz
eligibility quiz
Know
Know antiviral medicines need to be started within 5 days of COVID symptoms. But when symptoms initially feel mild — like a cold — it can be hard to tell.
Having tests at home and testing early can help you be prepared and take action if you test positive.
Almost 1 in 4 Australians are at risk of getting very sick from COVID. This can be because of older age, health conditions, ethnicity, and even where you live.
Make sure you know if you’re eligible for antiviral medicines so you can act quickly if you test positive.
Take the antiviral eligibility quiz to see if you are at risk of severe COVID.
Take antiviral eligibility quiz
What puts you at risk?
Some things that may make you more likely to get very sick from COVID are:
- Older age (70+)
- Conditions affecting your heart
- Diabetes
- Lung or respiratory conditions
- Kidney disease
You may be eligible for antiviral medicines if you are at risk – find out by taking the antiviral eligibility quiz. You can also download the COVID antivirals leaflet to learn more about your risk and eligibility criteria for antiviral medicines.
Go
If you get COVID symptoms, don’t wait – get tested and speak to your GP immediately if you test positive.
Your GP can help advise which treatment options are right for you.
Don’t wait to see if your symptoms get worse – if you are at risk of severe COVID, your symptoms can get worse very quickly.
Recognise the symptoms
If you get any of these symptoms, act fast and take a rapid antigen test (RAT) or contact your GP to get a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test as soon as possible.
If you or your loved ones are at risk of getting very sick from COVID, talk to your GP now about making an action plan.
An action plan can help you prepare all the information your GP needs to make the right treatment decisions for you, including your risk factors and medications.
Just tested positive to COVID? Don’t wait – talk to your GP now.
Call your GP or arrange a telehealth consultation as soon as you can to work out the best course of action for you.
Don’t have a GP or need to see one after hours? Click below to book a Telehealth consultation and speak to a Doctor online