Managing Covid-19 at home. 27 Feb 2022Healthy adults and children with COVID illness can self-isolate at home, manage their symptoms with simple measures and will usually recover well. You do not need to seek medical care unless your symptoms are severe or increasing. Those at higher risk are those over 60 years; immunocompromised or significant conditions (eg heart, lung conditions etc), pregnant, or not-vaccinated. We will take special care for those who are high-risk and unwell with Covid-19.
I tested positive, what happens next? During phase 3, we will be doing RAT tests and will assess how you are feeling, and your risk of complications. If you are at low risk, you can safely self-manage and call us if you need help or advice. If you are at higher risk, we will call you every day or every second day as required. You can also call us or 0800 687 647 for advice. I did a RAT at home and it is positive, what do I do? if you are very unwell, call us. If you are mildly unwell, please either load the positive RAT on your My Covid Record, or call 0800 222478. You will get a text explaining the next steps. We are unable to load your RAT onto the system for you. My RAT is negative but I still have a cough/runny nose/sore throat The RAT may be negative early in the illness. Test again tomorrow or the next day. See https://www.arphs.health.nz/information-for-people-with-negative-covid-19-results for more information How long do I need to isolate for? You will need to isolate for 10 days from when you became unwell, or tested positive. Here is some information to help you with isolation. All the Health Navigator pages can be accessed free on your phone without using data. https://www.healthnavigator.org.nz/health-a-z/c/covid-19-positive-how-to-quarantine-at-home/ How do I manage my symptoms? Most people have mild symptoms, which can be managed easily at home. Scratchy throat, body aches, headache, cough and tiredness are common. Nausea and diarrhoea are also quite common. Other symptoms that might show are a rash, red swollen toes, and conjunctivitis. Rest and keeping up fluids is important. Paracetamol, ibuprofen, and rehydration fluids are useful (we can arrange a pharmacy to deliver these to you if needed). It is useful to record your symptoms – to download a symptom diary see https://www.healthnavigator.org.nz/health-a-z/c/covid-19-positive-symptom-diaries/ See https://www.healthnavigator.org.nz/health-a-z/c/covid-19-positive-managing-your-symptoms/ Here are links to some great information for adults and children. Here https://www.healthnavigator.org.nz/health-a-z/c/covid-19-positive-care-at-home/ and https://www.healthnavigator.org.nz/health-a-z/c/covid-19-positive-caring-for-your-child-at-home/ All the Health Navigator pages can be accessed free on your phone without using data. What serious symptoms should I look out for in an adult? PLEASE CALL 111 if
What serious symptoms should I look out for in a child? Please call us or 0800 687 647 or 0800 358 5453 if your child has
What do my household members need to do? Household members need to isolate for the full 10 days from when the first person became ill or tested positive. The first day you became unwell (or tested positive and had no symptoms) is called day zero. Household members should get a test if they become unwell with covid-19 symptoms, or on days 3 and 10. If they test negative at day 10 and remain asymptomatic, they can leave isolation the following day. Close contacts do not need to get a test or isolate, unless they become symptomatic. If they become symptomatic they will need to get a test I am worried about getting food, wages, looking after pets and other social needs You can call 0800 512 337 who will help with social needs. For financial support see https://covid19.govt.nz/isolation-and-care/financial-support/. MORE INFORMATION: How will I expect to feel when I am ill?
Do I need an oxygen monitor (pulse oximeter)? Only those at high risk need to check their oxygen regularly. We will assess if you need one and Public Health will send one to you if necessary. We have a small supply to lend you if you need one and the delivery from Public Health is delayed. Link to how to use an oximeter https://hfam.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Pulse-Oximetry-Patient-Instructions-2020-Jan-12.pdf |