For almost two years Australians have been warned that COVID-19 is a serious illness, with asymptomatic people kept in isolation wards in a bid to stop the spread.

But as the world enters its third year of the pandemic, health authorities have changed the messaging to along the lines of 'keep calm and stay home'.

It comes as hospitals and ambulance services are under increasing pressure from people unsure about how to manage their COVID-19 symptoms.

Mild symptoms can be managed at home

For most people who are vaccinated against COVID-19, it is a mild illness that can be managed at home by staying hydrated and resting.

There is an increased risk for people who are unvaccinated, have underlying health conditions, are immunosuppressed, or pregnant.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people may also be at a higher risk of experiencing severe symptoms.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are:

• Fever
• Dry cough
• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Loss of taste
• Loss of smell
• Muscle aches and pains
• Headache
• Red or irritated eyes
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Skin rash
• Discolouration of fingers or toes

It is recommended you keep a diary to track your COVID-19 symptoms while in isolation.

You may consider having a thermometer to check your temperature and a pulse oximeter to monitor your oxygen levels.

However, the Therapeutic Goods Administration has warned against over-reliance on pulse oximeters.

"The TGA recommends that home use of pulse oximeters is safest and most effective when done as part of treatment provided by a doctor," it said in an update this month.

Mild symptoms of COVID-19 can be managed with:

• Pain relief such as paracetamol and ibuprofen
• Rehydration tablets, sachets or icy poles
• Heat or cold packs
• Throat lozenges
• Bed rest

Call your GP or a support line if symptoms worsen

Hospitals in the eastern states have been inundated with people with mild COVID-19 symptoms who do not need urgent medical attention.

Similarly people are calling triple-0 with requests for general health advice.

Health authorities have urged people to call their GP or a local health support line if they are concerned about their symptoms.

However, if in doubt, always call triple-0.

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Call triple-0 or go to hospital for severe symptoms

If your symptoms get worse very suddenly or you have severe symptoms, call triple-0 or go straight to hospital.

Severe symptoms of COVID-19 include:

• Increasing shortness of breath
• Difficulty finishing sentences due to breathlessness
• Chest pain or pressure that lasts more than 10 minutes
• Coughing up blood
• Severe dizziness
• Severe drowsiness or confusion
• Being unable to stand

Tell the triple-0 operator or emergency department that you have COVID-19 or if you are waiting on the results of a COVID-19 test.

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