Six simple steps to protect yourself and those most at risk

1. Wear a face mask

   • • The spread of viruses can be slowed or stopped using face masks. Face masks reduce the likelihood that you may contract and spread an airborne virus. Because of this, putting on a good face mask that fits properly will help shield you and people around you from COVID-19.

2. Get a test done

   • • Most local councils offer free rapid antigen tests (RATs) so that all Victorians can prepare ahead of time and get tested if they have COVID symptoms.

     • if you have COVID-19 symptoms, even if they are only very mild, if you have been in contact with someone who has the illness before going to a hospital, an elderly care facility, or a facility for people with disabilities, or before going to people who are more susceptible to developing a severe COVID-19 illness.

3. Stay at home

   • • Due to vaccinations, most patients will be able to recover from their illnesses at home and will be well protected against COVID-19.

     • It is safe and appropriate to treat COVID-19 at home when you experience lesser symptoms, preserving hospital beds for those who are very ill and require immediate medical attention.

     • Rest and heal at home if you only have minor symptoms.

     • If your symptoms get worse, visit a GP or the GP Respiratory Clinic. The National Coronavirus Helpline can be reached at 1800 020 080 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). Contact the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department for urgent care if you are unable to see a doctor.

     • When experiencing severe symptoms, dial Triple Zero (000) for immediate assistance.

4. Get some fresh air

   • Ventilation is the process of introducing clean external air into an enclosed area. Given that COVID-19 is airborne, ventilation is crucial.

   • When a person exhales very tiny droplets or aerosols containing COVID-19, the virus is disseminated. Aerosols have a long flotation time in the atmosphere, and when other individuals breathe them in, the infection is disseminated.

   • By increasing the amount of fresh air in a room, you can lower the amount of aerosols there and the chance that COVID-19 will spread from one person to another.

   • The risk of transmitting COVID-19 is decreased by good ventilation as well as other easy precautions like face masks and testing.

5. Talk to your GP about Covid medications

• With COVID-19, those who are at a high risk of becoming seriously ill can receive medication to keep them well. Medicines are available for:

• remedying COVID-19 symptoms Reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19 if you become ill. COVID-19 medications do not substitute vaccination.

• Only those most likely to require hospital treatment are eligible to get COVID-19 medications. This encompasses those who:

  • are over the age of 70

  • are 50 years of age or older with certain health issues, have a reduced immune system, a handicap, or were born with heart disease (or 30 if they are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander).

6. Get Vaccinated

• You can get the COVID-19 and flu vaccines from your neighbourhood drugstore or doctor. Both of them can be taken at the same time and are safe to do so.

• After an initial immunisation series of 2 shots, booster doses are additional doses. They shield you from developing severe COVID-19 illnesses.

• The majority of Victorians last received a COVID immunisation over a year ago. Your level of protection against the virus is low due to a waning immune system. Before winter, strengthen your defences by giving yourself an immunity boost.