Covid Management at Home

If you test positive for Covid-19 and you are considered a low-risk patient, you will be sent an SMS from NSW Health with instructions on how to manage Covid at home. It is important that you stay home and self-isolate for approximately 7 days after you receive your positive result (depending on your circumstances) to keep your family, friends and community safe.

After leaving isolation, you should avoid high-risk settings for an additional 3 days. For information on what to expect if you test positive, please click here.

If you do not have any symptoms, you are not required to isolate. You do need to keep in mind that you are at an increased risk of Covid-19 and need to take the correct steps to protect the people around you. You must follow NSW Health close contact guidelines for 7 days from the last time someone in your household tested positive:

• If you have or develop symptoms, you must self-isolate and get tested for COVID-19. If your test result is positive, you must follow the testing positive to COVID-19 and managing COVID-19 safely at home advice. If your test result is negative, stay home until you do not have any symptoms.
• Do not visit high-risk settings (healthcare, aged care, disability care or correctional facilities)
• Work or study from home where practicable.
• If you are over 12 years of age you must wear a mask when you are in an indoor setting that is not your own home
• Avoid contact with people at high risk of severe illness, where possible.
• Avoid large or crowded indoor gatherings

We do not do PCR testing at Glebe Family Practice. We also do not sell Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT tests).

To find your nearest Covid-19 testing clinic, you can use the NSW Government Clinic Finder.

If you are wanting to purchase a RAT, you can visit the Find a Rat website to see retailers and stock levels.

If you are fully vaccinated, your symptoms may be very mild and consist of:

• runny nose
• rough
• tiredness
• fever
• aches and pains
• headache

Some people may not have any symptoms at all (asymptomatic).

It is important that when isolating, you monitor your symptoms. If you notice that you have any of the following symptoms, you should call Triple Zero (000) immediately and tell the ambulance staff that you have been diagnosed with Covid-19:

• severe headaches or dizziness
• shortness of breath/difficulty breathing
• chest pressure or pain

For more information on what to expect when you are Covid positive, please click here.

Most people who have Covid-19 recover completely within a few weeks. In saying this, some people may have symptoms that are more likely to last longer. These symptoms include:

• fatigue
• chest discomfort
• cough

Other physical symptoms can also continue beyond a few weeks which include:

• loss of taste or smell
• headache
• runny nose
• joint or muscle pain
• trouble sleeping or eating
• sweating
• diarrhoea

Some people may also have ongoing psychological symptoms such as:

• trouble thinking clearly, focusing or remembering
• depression, anxiety, or PTSD

Predicting when these symptoms may subside is difficult. Recovery will depend on your age, overall health, and how severe your Covid-19 symptoms are. If you notice that you have ongoing symptoms or worsening symptoms, please book a telehealth appointment with your GP by clicking here.

For more information on the long-term effects of Covid-19, please click here.

Some people are considered to be at higher risk of becoming unwell with Covid-19. These patients will be cared for by RPA Virtual Hospital.

For more information on RPA Virtual, you can head to their website by clicking here.