Managing COVID-19 At Home With Assistance From Your General Practice

Most people with COVID-19 will be self-managed at home during isolation, with regular telehealth consultations (check-ups) with your General Practice. It is best if you can use video for these check-ups, otherwise phone check-ups will be used. Your doctor will want to know how your symptoms are going, as well as knowing your pulse rate, breathing rate and oxygen levels if you have a pulse oximeter.

Having a “kit” with some essential items will help to manage your symptoms and also assist your GP in assessing your wellbeing. We recommend the following:

• A thermometer

• Medication to relieve pain and fever (eg Paracetamol or Ibuprofen)
• Enough of your regular medicines
• Masks, hand sanitizer, gloves
• Oral rehydration solutions (eg Gastrolyte/Hydrolyte) especially if you have children at home
• Lozenges or throat spray to assist with sore throat symptoms
• A pulse oximeter can be helpful to monitor your oxygen levels if you can afford this. Most pulse oximeters are not suitable for children.

Other things to consider:

• A plan for how to get food and essential supplies for two weeks
• A list of phone number for people outside your home you can call for help
• Stay at home activities, especially if you have kids
• A list of helpful numbers for more information
• A list of helpful resources especially around mental health support if needed
• A COVID-19 Action Plan if you are in a higher risk group for serious infection. Your GP can help you with this.
• Practice how to record your pulse rate and breathing rate manually.

• Please click on the link below from the RACGP to help you plan for managing COVID-19. This also includes an action plan, symptom diary, how to check your pulse and breathing rates, how to use a pulse oximeter and a list of resources where you can get more help.https://www.racgp.org.au/FSDEDEV/media/documents/Clinical%20Resources/Guidelines/Managing-mild-COVID-19-at-home-with-assistance-from-your-GP.pdf