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COVID-19 FACT SHEET

Most common symptoms:

• fever
• cough
• congestion
• tiredness
• loss of taste or smell

Less common symptoms:

• sore throat
• headache
• aches and pains
• diarrhoea
• a rash on skin, or discolouration of fingers or toes
• red or irritated eyes

Serious symptoms:

• difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• loss of speech or mobility, or confusion
• chest pain

Please seek immediate medical attention if you have any serious symptoms.

If you have mild symptoms, but are otherwise healthy, you should manage your symptoms at home.

On average it takes 5–6 days from when someone is infected with the virus for symptoms to show, however it can take up to 14 days.

PREVENT THE SPREAD

Hand washing / Sanitise

• wash your hands regularly with soap and water for 20 seconds
• use sanitiser (at least 60% alcohol) after being in public places and after coughing or sneezing.

Wear a mask in public spaces

• COVID is spread via droplets in the air from an infected person. Wearing a mask can reduce your risk of inhaling these droplets

Avoid close contact

• stand apart when talking
• avoid shaking hands
• keep windows open in rooms/when travelling in the car or public transport

Sneeze or cough into your elbow or a tissue and discard immediately, washing your hands or sanitising afterwards

If you feel unwell (with for example coughing / body aches / fever/ sore throat / blocked nose/ other flu-like symptoms), stay at home.

Compiled by: Dr Lynelle Hoeks and Dr Adrian Rotunno