People are finally able to travel again, and everyone seems to be making up for lost time!

As exciting as it is to be able to finally have the freedom to travel, and to visit family again particularly overthis holiday season, there are still many illnesses that can strike at anytime, including COVID.

All of us have a role to play in protecting our own health,the health of our loved ones, and those most at risk from severe COVID-19illness.

Masks

Wearing a mask can help protect youand those around you. To use a mask properly you should:

• wash or sanitise your hands before putting it on or taking it off
• make sure it covers your nose and mouth and fits snugly under your chin
• avoid touching the front of your mask while wearing or removing it
• keep it in place – don't hang it around your neck or under your nose
• use a new single use mask each time
• wash and dry reusable masks after use and store in a clean dry place.

Physicaldistancing

The more space between you andothers, the harder it is for the virus to spread.

Physical distancing means:

• keeping 1.5 metres away from others wherever possible
• avoiding physical greetings such as handshaking, hugs and kisses
• practising extra care on public transport
• avoiding crowds and large gatherings
• practising good hygiene
• getting tested and staying at home if you have any cold or flu symptoms.

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If you still find yourself feeling under the weather while on holidays, the firstthing to do is take a test to be sure.

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Testing

You must not visit high-risk settings like aged and disability care facilities and hospitals, unless seeking immediate medical care, until at least 7 days after testing positive and youhave no symptoms of COVID-19.

You should test for COVID-19 if:

• you have symptoms of the illness — even if your symptoms are mild
• you have recovered from COVID-19 and develop     new symptoms of COVID-19 after 28 days
• you have been advised to do so by a health     professional.

Ifyou have tested positive, there are treatments available to eligible people.

Treatments

More people who are at higher risk ofsevere illness from COVID-19 are now eligible for oral antiviral treatments,taken as tablets or capsules at home.

You may be eligible if you’re:

• 70 years of age or older, regardless of risk factors and with or without symptoms
• 50 years of age or older with 2 additional risk factors
• A First Nations person, 30 years of age or older and with 1 additional risk factor
• 18 years of age or older and moderately to severely immunocompromised.

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COVID-19 oral antiviral treatments need to be started early after testing positive.

The best thing to do is book in a Telehealth consultation to speak with an online doctor about your COVID-19 treatment options.

Private Medical is open and providing Video telehealth consultations 8am-8pm AEST, 7 days per week, servicing patients Australia wide.

Our doctors are specialist GPs who are fellows of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and are able to prescribe medications (where deemed appropriate), provide certificates,referrals and advice where needed.

We provide specific consultations forthose who are COVID positive and are seeking the antiviral treatment, as wellas standard and mental health consultation types for other health concerns.

Call and speak with our friendly team today on 135 001 or visit our website at www.PrivateMedical.net to book an online doctor consultation today.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic

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