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COVID-19 positive - when to seek medical advice

Key points about COVID-19 and when to seek medical advice

If you or a loved one have symptoms due to COVID infection, it's important to know when to seek medical advice.
The following information will help you know what action to take and when to seek help.

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(Healthify He Puna Waiora, NZ, 2022)

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Call 111 if you:

have severe trouble breathing or severe chest pain
are very confused or not thinking clearly
feel faint or pass out (lose consciousness).

Call your healthcare team if:

you have new or more trouble breathing
your symptoms are getting worse
you start getting better and then get worse
you have symptoms of severe dehydration such as:
- having a very dry mouth
- passing only a little urine (pee)
- feeling very light-headed.

You may experience very mild or no symptoms.

It is important to stay hydrated – drink plenty of fluids.
Keep monitoring your symptoms so you notice any changes.
It is important to avoid running, strenuous exercise and high impact activities until you are totally well.

Note: from 13 February 2023, some people will have to pay for COVID-related visits to their healthcare provider. COVID care will still be free for you if you:

have a high-risk medical condition
are Māori or Pasifika
have a disability
are aged 65 years or older
meet the criteria for antiviral medicine.

Most people will be able to manage their symptoms and recover at home. However, if you need to go to hospital because of COVID, hospital care will remain free.

If you need help, contact your healthcare provider for advice or call Healthline 0800 358 5453.

There are free medicines available for people who are most at risk of severe illness with COVID-19. You need to start these within the first 5 days of developing COVID-19 symptoms.

If you test positive for COVID-19 and have other health issues or long-term conditions, talk to your GP, community pharmacy, or health care provider as soon as possible. They will advise if COVID-19 medicines are suitable for you. Read more about antiviral medicines for COVID-19 infection.

Positions to make your breathing easier
COVID-19 positive: Managing your symptoms
COVID-19 positive – care at home for adults
COVID-19 positive: Care in the community
Symptom and pulse oximeter diaries for the whole family