COVID-19 in Australia: Symptoms, Self-Care and Access to Antiviral Treatment

COVID-19 is a viral infection that, for most people, causes a mild to moderate illness that gets better with rest and self-care at home. Some people are at higher risk of becoming seriously unwell, and for them, oral antiviral treatment started early can help. In Australia, these treatments are subsidised through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for people who meet set eligibility criteria.

This article explains common COVID-19 symptoms, how to look after yourself, who is at higher risk, how PBS access to antiviral treatment works in general terms, and when to get urgent help.

Common symptoms of COVID-19

Symptoms usually start a few days after exposure and can include:

• fever or chills
• cough
• sore throat
• runny or blocked nose
• tiredness
• headache, muscle or joint aches
• shortness of breath
• loss or change of taste or smell
• nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea

Some people have no symptoms at all. Because COVID-19, flu and RSV can look alike, testing is the only way to know which virus you have.

Testing

Rapid antigen tests (RATs) are sold in pharmacies and supermarkets and give a result in about 15 to 20 minutes. They’re less accurate early in an infection, so if your first test is negative but you still have symptoms, test again in a day or so. Some RATs test for COVID-19, flu and RSV at the same time. A doctor may recommend a PCR test in some situations, particularly if you could be eligible for antiviral treatment and your RAT is negative.

Looking after yourself at home

• Rest, and drink plenty of fluids.
• Use simple pain and fever relief if needed. Your pharmacist can advise what suits you.
• Stay home while you have symptoms, and work from home if you can.
• If you need to go out, wear a mask, avoid crowds and wash your hands often.
• Avoid visiting people at higher risk, hospitals and aged care homes. Healthdirect recommends staying away from these settings for at least 7 days and until your symptoms have gone.
• Keep an eye on how you’re feeling, and know the warning signs below.

Antibiotics don’t work against COVID-19, because it’s caused by a virus. Our article Do you need antibiotics? explains why.

Who is at higher risk of severe illness?

You’re more likely to become seriously unwell with COVID-19 if you:

• are older, with risk rising with age
• have a weakened immune system, because of a medical condition or treatment
• have long-term conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, kidney or liver disease, or obesity
• are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
• are pregnant
• live with a disability that needs significant support

If you’re in one of these groups, have a plan before you get sick: keep a couple of RATs at home, keep a list of your medicines and health conditions handy, and know how you’ll contact a doctor quickly if you test positive.

PBS access to COVID-19 antiviral treatment

Oral antiviral treatments can lower the risk of severe illness and hospital admission in people at higher risk. They’re most effective when started early, and treatment needs to begin within 5 days of your symptoms starting.

The PBS subsidises these treatments for people who meet the eligibility criteria. PBS eligibility criteria apply (for example, age and certain risk factors); your doctor will check whether you qualify. You’ll generally need a confirmed positive test, a prescription from a doctor or nurse practitioner, and a Medicare card. The criteria can change, so check the current information from healthdirect or ask your doctor.

Antiviral treatment isn’t right for everyone. Some antivirals interact with common medicines, and some aren’t suitable if you have certain kidney or liver conditions, are pregnant or are breastfeeding. Your doctor will review your medicines and health history before deciding whether to prescribe. For a step-by-step guide to what to do in the first days after a positive test, see COVID-19: why early assessment matters if you’re at higher risk.

Prevention

• Stay up to date with the COVID-19 vaccinations recommended for your age and health. Your GP or pharmacist can tell you what’s recommended for you.
• Wash your hands regularly and cover coughs and sneezes.
• Consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor places, especially if you’re at higher risk.
• Stay home when you’re unwell and test if you have symptoms.

After COVID-19

Most people recover within a few weeks. Some have symptoms such as tiredness, breathlessness or brain fog that last longer. If you still have symptoms 4 weeks or more after your infection, speak to a doctor. Our article Living with long COVID in Australia explains what can help.

When to get urgent help

Call 000 if you or someone you care for has:

• severe difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• chest pain or pressure
• blue or grey lips or face
• cold, clammy or pale, mottled skin
• fainting, confusion, or is hard to wake
• little or no urine
• coughing up blood

Tell the operator that the person has COVID-19.

How Teldoc can help

Our AHPRA-registered GPs consult by phone or video, 7 days a week from 9 am to 7 pm (Sydney time), and most patients are seen within 15 minutes, so you don’t need to leave home while you’re infectious. Your doctor can:

• assess your symptoms and your risk of severe illness
• check whether you’re eligible for PBS-subsidised antiviral treatment and prescribe it if clinically appropriate, with an eScript sent to your phone
• arrange a PCR test through our pathology referrals if needed
• provide a medical certificate for work or study

COVID-19 consultations are general consultations: $55 on weekdays and $75 on weekends and public holidays. The cost of any medicine is separate and paid at the pharmacy. See our fees page or read more about COVID-19 consultations.

Frequently asked questions

Who can get PBS-subsidised COVID-19 antiviral treatment?

PBS eligibility criteria apply, based on things such as age and certain risk factors. A doctor or nurse practitioner will check whether you qualify, and you’ll generally need a confirmed positive test and a Medicare card.

How soon do I need to start antiviral treatment?

Antiviral treatment for COVID-19 needs to start within 5 days of your symptoms beginning, so contact a doctor as soon as you test positive if you’re at higher risk.

Do antibiotics treat COVID-19?

No. COVID-19 is caused by a virus, and antibiotics only work against bacteria. Antiviral treatment is a different type of medicine and is only suitable for some people.

How long should I stay home with COVID-19?

Stay home while you have symptoms. Healthdirect recommends avoiding hospitals, aged care homes and people at higher risk for at least 7 days and until your symptoms have gone.

Can I see a doctor about COVID-19 by telehealth?

Yes. A telehealth GP can assess your symptoms and risk, check whether antiviral treatment is suitable, and send an eScript to your phone, without you needing to leave home.

This article is general health information and isn’t a substitute for advice from your own doctor. If you’re worried about your health, speak to a GP. In an emergency, call 000.

Medically reviewed by Dr Vafa Derakshan (MBBS, FRACGP), September 2026