COVID-19: Why Early Assessment Matters if You’re at Higher Risk

If you test positive for COVID-19 and you’re at higher risk of severe illness, speak to a doctor as soon as possible, ideally on the day you test positive. Oral antiviral treatment can lower the risk of becoming seriously unwell, but it needs to start within 5 days of your symptoms beginning. Early assessment gives you and your doctor time to decide whether it’s right for you.

This article is a practical guide to the first few days after a positive test: who should act quickly, what to have ready for your appointment, and what happens during the assessment.

Why timing matters

COVID-19 antiviral treatments work by slowing down the virus while it’s multiplying, which happens mostly in the first few days of the illness. That’s why treatment has to begin within 5 days of symptoms starting. If you wait to see whether you get worse, you may miss the window in which treatment is useful.

Early assessment isn’t only about antivirals. It’s also a chance to check how unwell you are, make a plan for managing your symptoms at home, and agree on what to do if things change.

Who should seek early assessment?

Contact a doctor promptly after a positive test if you:

• are older, particularly if you’re 70 or over
• have a weakened immune system
• have a long-term condition 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
• are unsure whether you’re at higher risk

PBS eligibility criteria apply to antiviral treatment (for example, age and certain risk factors); your doctor will check whether you qualify. For more on how PBS access works and how to manage COVID-19 at home, see COVID-19 in Australia: symptoms, self-care and access to antiviral treatment.

Your first-days checklist

1. Test as soon as you have symptoms. Keep a couple of RATs at home. If a RAT is negative but you have symptoms and are at higher risk, test again the next day or ask a doctor about a PCR test.
2. Note when your symptoms started. The 5-day window is counted from the start of symptoms, so write down the date.
3. Book a doctor’s appointment straight away. Don’t wait to see whether you get worse.
4. Have your information ready (see below).
5. Stay home and rest, and keep away from people at higher risk.
6. Know the warning signs that mean you need urgent help.

What to have ready for your appointment

Having this information on hand helps your doctor assess you quickly and safely:

• the date your symptoms started and the date of your positive test
• your current symptoms, and whether they’re getting better or worse
• a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal products, as some antivirals interact with other medicines
• your health conditions, especially kidney or liver problems
• whether you’re pregnant, could be pregnant or are breastfeeding
• any recent blood test results for kidney or liver function, if you have them
• your Medicare card
• your preferred pharmacy, in case you’re prescribed treatment

What happens during the assessment

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, how unwell you feel, your medical history and your medicines. They’ll consider your risk of severe illness and check whether you meet the PBS eligibility criteria. If antiviral treatment is suitable and clinically appropriate, they can prescribe it, with an eScript sent to your phone.

Not everyone who is eligible will be prescribed an antiviral. It may not be suitable because of medicine interactions, kidney or liver problems, pregnancy, or because your symptoms started too long ago. Your doctor will explain the options and what to watch for.

If you’re not at higher risk, early assessment usually isn’t necessary. Most people recover at home with rest, fluids and simple symptom relief.

When to get urgent help

Call 000 if you or someone you care for has:

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

Tell the operator that the person has COVID-19. Don’t wait for a telehealth appointment if you have any of these signs.

How Teldoc can help

Telehealth means you can be assessed without leaving home while you’re infectious. 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. Your doctor can assess your risk, check your eligibility for antiviral treatment, prescribe treatment if clinically appropriate, arrange a PCR test through our pathology referrals, and provide a medical certificate if you need one.

COVID-19 consultations are general consultations: $55 on weekdays and $75 on weekends and public holidays, with no Medicare rebate. The cost of any medicine is separate. See our fees page or read more about COVID-19 consultations and antiviral prescriptions.

Frequently asked questions

How soon should I see a doctor after testing positive for COVID-19?

If you’re at higher risk of severe illness, contact a doctor on the day you test positive. Antiviral treatment needs to start within 5 days of your symptoms beginning.

What should I tell the doctor?

Tell them when your symptoms started, how you’re feeling, your health conditions, and every medicine you take, including over-the-counter and herbal products. Also mention if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.

Will I definitely get antiviral treatment if I’m eligible?

Not necessarily. Your doctor will check whether treatment is suitable for you, taking into account other medicines, kidney or liver problems, pregnancy and how long you’ve had symptoms.

Do I need to see a doctor if I’m young and healthy?

Usually not. Most people who aren’t at higher risk recover at home with rest and fluids. See a doctor if your symptoms are severe, getting worse, or you’re worried.

Sources and further reading: healthdirect: COVID-19; healthdirect: Antivirals for influenza and COVID-19.

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