COVID-19

COVID-19: Symptoms and what to do when you have it

COVID-19 is an illness that can affect your lungs and airways. It’s caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Learn about symptoms, what to do when you have it, and when to see a doctor.

Also known as: Mate korona

• COVID-19 is a disease caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. It affects your lungs, airways and other organs
• Coronaviruses are a large and diverse family of viruses that cause illnesses such as the common cold. Other recent diseases caused by coronaviruses include severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS).

It is possible to experience no symptoms when you have COVID-19. It is also common to experience symptoms such as:

• Sneezing and runny nose
• Sore throat
• Body aches
• Fever
• Cough
• Feeling tired
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhoea (runny poo)

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These symptoms don’t always indicate COVID-19, as they can resemble colds or the flu. This is why it is very important to test.

If you have COVID-19 symptoms again and it has been 29 days or more since a previous infection, you should test with a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT).

RAT Collection Centres are listed here

What should I do if my COVID test was negative?

• Your symptoms could be another illness, such as a cold or flu
• If your symptoms continue, you should repeat a RAT 48 hours later
• If your result is still negative, stay home until you have recovered

What should I do if my COVID test was positive?

If it is positive, you should stay at home and we recommended you isolate for at least 5 days, and follow the advice for people who have COVID-19 (below).

Most people who contract COVID-19 will experience mild symptoms and recover at home. Symptoms typically last a few days, with many starting to feel
better in about a week.

There are various things you can do to help relieve the symptoms of COVID-19 and assist recovery. COVID care includes:

• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Avoid running, strenuous or high impact activities and exercise until you are well.
• Eat when you feel able to.

If you cannot stop vomiting or have bad diarrhoea, talk to your GP. At Tend Health we offer online doctor appointments so you can see a doctor online and get the care you need from home.

Try these COVID-19 home remedies

Everyone will have a different experience in their recovery from COVID-19. It is important that you listen to your body, take it easy, and avoid any
strenuous exercise until you’ve been cleared by your healthcare team.

• Fever, aches and pains –Paracetamol or ibuprofen.
• Blocked or runny nose or cough – Nasal sprays, decongestants, lozenges, or cough mixtures.
• Sore throat – Suck a teaspoon of honey or gargle with salt water. Alternatively, try medicated lozenges, gargle or throat spray.
• Vomiting and diarrhoea – Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

COVID-19 medication

COVID-19 antivirals are available for eligible patients to treat COVID-19 infection. They reduce the amount of virus in your body and may help you become less sick and stay out of hospital.
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Eligible patients include:

• Māori or Pacific people aged 50 or over
• Everyone aged 65 or over
• People with high-risk conditions

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Find further information on eligibility and access to these medicines.

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Talk to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or health provider if you think that you, or a member of your whānau may be eligible for antiviral medicines. The preferred COVID-19 antiviral medicine available in Aotearoa New Zealand is Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir with ritonavir). To be effective, Paxlovid must be started within 5 days of your symptoms starting.

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Most people who have COVID-19 will experience a mild illness and can safely manage their own symptoms and recovery at home. Antivirals are ONLY used to treat people who are at risk of severe illness with COVID-19.

COVID-19 vaccines are free for everyone aged 5 and over. They’re also available to tamariki from 6 months who are at greater risk of severe illness if they were to get COVID-19.
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Book a COVID-19 vaccine here.

Additional booster doses

Regardless of how many boosters you have had, you can get an additional booster now if you are:

• Aged 30 and over
• Pregnant, and aged 16 or over
• Aged 12 to 29 and at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19

Find out more about boosters

Other protective measures

• Wear a mask
• Wash your hands
• Stay home and isolate if you're sick

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Those diagnosed with COVID-19 must isolate to prevent the spread of infection until given the all-clear from a health professional. This means staying at home, living in a separate room, ensuring others do not enter your home and having groceries and other essential items delivered.
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Coping with isolation can feel overwhelming. If you’re struggling or feel unable to manage, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible for support.

Steps to isolate at home

1. Stay at home unless you need urgent medical care. If you must visit a doctor, call ahead and inform them that you have COVID-19. With the Tend app, you can consult a GP directly from your isolation space. If you require medication, arrange for a loved one to collect it for you.

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2. Isolate within your home away from other household members, if possible. Use a separate bathroom, or if that’s not feasible, wear a mask and avoid shared spaces as much as possible.

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3. Do not let anyone enter your home. Household members can stay with you but should take precautions. While household contacts no longer need to isolate for 7 days, they must perform a daily rapid antigen test (RAT).

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4. Arrange for groceries and essentials to be delivered to your home. Many supermarkets and food services offer delivery options. If household members test negative, they can shop for you. If you live alone or need help, reach out to friends or neighbours who may be able to drop off essentials at your door.

Isolation can be challenging, but taking these steps can help protect your health and the wellbeing of those around you.

Caring for your wellbeing when you have COVID-19

Receiving a positive COVID-19 diagnosis can be overwhelming, and it’s natural to feel anxious. If your symptoms are making you feel worse physically or mentally, reach out to your Tend Care Team for support, we’re here to help you through this.

Stay connected - Although you'll be isolated while you have COVID-19, try stay in touch with the people you care about over the phone or online.

• Minimise news feeds - Try reducing how much you watch, read, or listen to the news that makes you feel anxious or distressed. Instead, read
  your favourite book or listen to an interesting podcast.
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• Avoid alcohol and drug use - Avoid using alcohol and drugs as a way of dealing with fear, anxiety, boredom, and loneliness or social isolation.
  Try learning a new skill or starting a creative project to help cure some of your quarantine boredom.
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• Accept the situation - You should understand that you have a viral infection, and your body is fighting it. You may feel unwell, but you will
  recover. You may have days when you feel great, and other days where you don’t. Accepting that this is normal is important for your overall
  recovery and mental wellbeing.
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• Adjust your physical space - Adjust your environment so that it makes you feel good and supports your body to recover! Something as simple
  as taking a cold shower, changing your bed linen, letting fresh air into your room, or wearing your favourite slippers can be comforting.
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• Rest and hydrate - Getting enough sleep and drinking enough water helps your body to fight the virus. Try going to bed at a reasonable time and having a bottle of water always at the ready!
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• Gentle exercise - Doing gentle exercise such as arm raises, sitting and standing or marching is not only good for your physical health but also
  your mental wellbeing. Try set time aside each day to move your body.
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• Try to stick to your normal routine - Sticking to your usual routine in a safe way as much as possible will make going back to normal easier.  For
  example, set yourself regular mealtimes and sleeping schedules.
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If you, or someone you know, requires emergency care for any issues related to mental health, please contact your local Crisis Assessment Team through the Ministry of Health.

Most people who get COVID-19 should be able to manage their symptoms safely at home. It is important to keep an eye on symptoms, particularly if they seem to be getting worse, and get help straight away if needed.
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Call 111 immediately if you or someone in your household:

• Has trouble breathing, or is experiencing shortness of breath
• Has severe chest pain
• Feels faint or dizzy or becomes unconscious

What are Tend’s COVID-19 in-clinic precautions?

If you book an in-clinic appointment with a Tend GP, you will be contacted prior to your appointment to run through some screening questions for respiratory symptoms: runny nose, sore throat, cough or fever.

Patients with no respiratory symptoms
Medical masks will remain available to patients in clinic waiting rooms, reception areas, and in clinic rooms. However, if you have no respiratory symptoms then wearing a mask is optional.

Patients with respiratory symptoms
You'll be asked to wear a mask upon arrival if you have respiratory symptoms.

Take control of your health with Tend

Tend is here to support you through every step of your COVID-19 recovery. From virtual GP consultations to personalised health advice, we make it easier for you to manage your health from the safety of your home. Whether you need medical guidance, mental health support, or help with prescriptions, our dedicated Tend Care Team is ready to assist.

Download our doctor consultation app today and take control of your health with expert care just a click away!