COVID-19 positive: What do I do now?

You are very infectious and to keep other people safe, it's recommended you stay at home for at least 5 days. If you can stay away from other people in your whare/home, do so. It will help to stop the spread of COVID-19 to your whānau. Watch the video below for some advice on stopping the spread of infection. It may take a few moments to load.

Video: How to reduce the spread of infection in your home

This video may take a few moments to load.

(Healthify He Puna Waiora, NZ, in partnership with Northland DHB & Ministry of Health, 2022)

This includes:

• Getting somebody to help with stocking up on food, medicines and other household supplies.
• You may be able to order supplies from your supermarket and ask a friend to collect them and deliver them to your gate.
• Your pharmacy may be able to arrange for medicines to be delivered, or you can ask a friend to pick them up for you.
• If you, or anybody isolating with you, is receiving help for personal care or disability support let any care givers know so that they can make a different plan for how to help now that you have COVID-19 in your household. 
• If you have a child at school or day care, who needs to stay at home, talk to their teacher. They may be able to provide online learning or provide resources for your children.  

If your symptoms are mild you will be able to manage them at home. Read more about how to manage your symptoms. It is a good idea to keep a symptom diary so that you can tell if they are getting worse. If your symptoms are more severe you may have more contact from a doctor or nurse, who may give you a pulse oximeter to keep track of your oxygen levels and heart rate.

Video: Managing your COVID symptoms

This video may take a few moments to load.

(Healthify He Puna Waiora, NZ, in partnership with Northland DHB & Ministry of Health, 2022)

It is really important that you know when to get medical help.

Call 111 if you:

• have severe trouble breathing or severe chest pain
• are very confused or not thinking clearly
• feel faint or pass out.

Contact your doctor or nurse if:

• you have new or more trouble breathing
• your symptoms are getting worse
• you start getting better then get worse
• you have symptoms of dehydration – a very dry mouth, passing little urine (pee) or feeling very light-headed.

If your symptoms are very mild:

• it's important to stay hydrated – drink plenty of fluids
• keep monitoring/recording your symptoms so you notice any changes
• avoid vigorous exercise until you have recovered.

Video: COVID symptoms and when to seek medical advice

This video may take a few moments to load.

(Healthify He Puna Waiora, NZ, in partnership with Northland DHB & Ministry of Health, 2022)

Having COVID-19 is very stressful, even if you only have mild symptoms. Be kind to yourself and your family/whānau, and ask for help if you, or someone else, isn't coping.

Try to keep some routines in place, move about and get plenty of fresh air. Stay in touch with friends and whānau by phone or internet.

You can call Healthline 0800 611 116 for health advice or free call or text 1737 if you need to talk to somebody. Read more about looking after your mental wellbeing.