How do you know you have COVID-19
A positive result on a COVID-19 test, indicated that you are infected with COVID-19.
Learn more about testing.
What to do if you test positive
Anyone diagnosed with COVID-19 can pass the virus onto others.
While isolation is no longer a legal requirement, if you test positive for COVID-19, staying at home protects the people in your community.
If you test positive, you should not visit high-risk settings like hospitals and aged and disability care settings:
- for at least 7 days or until symptoms have gone
- unless seeking immediate medical care.
To help protect those around you, we recommend:
- avoiding contact with people who are at higher risk of severe disease
- wearing a mask outside the home
- working from home where possible
- avoiding going to school, public areas, or travel on public transport, in taxis or ride-share services
- practicing good hygiene
- following your local health department’s advice when leaving home.
If you have any appointments you cannot miss (visit to a doctor, family violence service or police), let them know in advance that you have COVID-19.
Call the COVID-19 helpline on 1800 020 080 if you need support or information. The hotline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Manage your symptoms
Most people with COVID-19 experience only mild symptoms, or no symptoms at all (asymptomatic).
You can manage these symptoms with over-the-counter medication. Find out more about managing COVID-19 at home.
Try to get plenty of rest, drink lots of water and eat well. You can still do moderate exercise if you feel well enough, within your home and/or garden if you have one.
If you are eligible, your GP can prescribe COVID-19 oral treatments to reduce your chance of severe illness or hospitalisation.
Seek urgent medical attention (call 000) if you develop severe symptoms, such as:
- difficulty breathing
- an oxygen level of less than 92% when tested with a pulse oximeter
- blue lips or face
- pain or pressure in the chest
- cold and clammy, or pale and mottled, skin
- fainting or collapsing
- being confused
- difficultly waking up
- little or no urine output
- coughing up blood.
If your child has COVID-19
Severe COVID-19 in children is rare. Most children will have no, or only mild symptoms.
If you are worried about your child’s symptoms, contact your GP as soon as possible.
A GP or nurse will treat your child based on their age, symptoms and past medical history.
If they are showing severe symptoms, call 000 immediately.
Learn more about caring for a child, family member or housemate with COVID-19.
Caring for yourself after COVID-19
Most people who test positive for COVID-19 recover completely, but some people may develop long COVID.
COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters, reduce your risk of re-infection and gives the best protection against severe illness from COVID-19.
After testing positive, you should wait 6 months before making a booster dose appointment.
Book an appointment using the health Service Finder.