What to do if I have COVID-19

Reduce the risk of spread to others

If you test positive for COVID-19, you may be infectious for up to 10 days, but you are most infectious in the two days before your symptoms start and while you have symptoms (runny nose, sore throat, cough and fever).

If you test positive to COVID-19, you are not required to isolate, but you should stay home and take steps to protect others.

To reduce the risk to others, if you test positive to COVID-19 you should:

  • Stay home until your acute symptoms have cleared (usually 5 to 7 days).
  • Wear a mask when indoors or on public transport if you need to leave the house before your acute symptoms have cleared.
  • Avoid large gatherings and crowded indoor places until your acute symptoms have cleared.
  • Avoid visiting people at high risk of severe illness, or anyone in a hospital, or aged or disability care facility for at least 7 days. However, if visiting is required, please speak with the facility healthcare team how this can occur as safely as possible.
  • Speak with your employer about when to return to work.

Manage your symptoms and access support

Most people with COVID-19 recover completely within a few weeks. However, some people can experience longer-term effects of COVID-19.

In an emergency, or if you have severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing at rest or chest pain, call Triple Zero (000) and tell them you are COVID-19 positive.

COVID-19 treatments available for people who are at higher risk of severe disease and health outcomes. These treatments will not be suitable for everyone and are prescription only. If required, your health care provider will work with you to determine which treatment option is suitable for your circumstances.

  • Speak with your doctor if you are at higher risk of severe illness or eligible for oral antiviral treatment.
  • Monitor your symptoms so you know if you need to access support. You can also use healthdirect’s online symptom checker to help monitor your symptoms.
  • Call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 (available 24 hours, 7 days) or your usual GP if you need health support while managing your COVID-19 symptoms at home.
  • Find out more about long COVID and where to get help for ongoing symptoms

Reporting

There is no requirement to report to SA Health if you test positive for COVID on a RAT. If you do want to report, you can report your result using the online form.

COVID-19 variants

SA Pathology currently undertakes analysis on some positive PCR samples to confirm which variant of COVID-19 a person has. This sample needs to go through a process called genomic sequencing, which is used to determine the entire genetic makeup of a viral specimen.

In South Australia, genomic sequencing is performed on positive samples when people are very unwell in hospital or who have recently travelled from overseas.

Genomic sequencing is used to learn more about how the virus is changing over time, monitor new variants and link cases to an outbreak.

Not every COVID-19 positive sample is genome sequenced and results are not sent to patients. You cannot request to have genomic sequencing performed on your positive sample.