COVID-19 is a highly contagious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus (coronavirus).
Common symptoms include – runny nose, sore throat, cough, fever, chills, sweats, and/or shortness of breath. Other symptoms may include – headache, muscle soreness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, loss of smell and taste, loss of appetite.
Some people may not experience any symptoms (i.e., are asymptomatic) but can still spread the virus to others. Others may develop mild symptoms and recover easily, while some may become very ill and some have symptoms that persist for several weeks or months after the infection (long COVID).
What is long COVID?
Although most people recover from COVID-19 after a few days or weeks, some people continue experiencing symptoms for many months after getting COVID-19, known as long COVID. Long COVID affects different parts of the body with multiple and varied symptoms, which can be persistent or come and go over time. Symptoms for long COVID can be different for everyone.
Who is most at risk of getting COVID-19 and long COVID?
Anyone can be affected by COVID-19. The illness can be especially serious for:
- Older people, which includes people over the age of 70 (or over 50 with other health conditions)
- Immunocompromised people with underlying medical conditions
How can you protect yourself from COVID-19 and long COVID?
Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and people around you from COVID-19. Everyone in Australia aged 18 years and over is eligible for a free vaccination from their doctor (GP) or pharmacy immuniser.
You can also follow these simple steps to help prevent severe illness and reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community:
- Wear a fitted face mask.
- Let fresh air in (or ventilate using existing heating and cooling systems).
- Stay home and isolate while unwell.
- Get tested.
- Get antiviral treatment*
* People at risk of severe illness from COVID-19 may be eligible to get antiviral medicines that can be taken as a tablet. Visit your Medicare account or my.gov.au to check if you’re eligible for this treatment. Speak to your doctor for more information.
