CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

Managing COVID-19 at home 
  • Most people who test positive for COVID-19 will have mild symptoms and recover within one week without needing special treatment or hospitalisation. 
  • If you are pregnant, unvaccinated or immunocompromised you are at risk of more significant symptoms - please call South East Regional Hospital on 6150 7032 to access their COVID-19 health service. 
  • If you are over 65 years of age, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander or have a chronic health condition - call Sapphire Coast Medical Practice on 6492 2555 and we can guide you through your illness with telehealth consultations.
Oral Anti-viral Medications
  • If you have a COVID infection and fit the below criteria, please contact the surgery to discuss with a GP whether you should have medication prescribed:
    • All patients over 70 years of age;
    • Immunocompromised (over 18 years of age) i.e. were previously advised to have an extra booster; or
    • 60-69 years of age with 1 risk factor; or
    • Over 50 years of age with 2 extra risk factors (see below); or
    • Over 30 years of age (Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander) with 2 extra risk factors (see below).
  • ​Risk Factors:
    • ​Diabetes (on medication)
    • Obesity (BMI greater than 30)
    • Cardiac disease
    • Lung disease
    • Active cancer
    • Severe liver/kidney disease
    • Neurological conditions (e.g. stroke, dementia)
    • Not up to date with vaccinations.
  • Anti-viral medication must be taken within 5 days of symptom onset. 
Self-isolation information 
  • It is no longer mandatory to self-isolate at home if you test positive for COVID-19.
  • However, NSW Health strongly recommends people who are sick or have tested positive to COVID-19 stay home (unless for medical care or you feel unsafe at home) until their symptoms have gone.
  • Notify close contacts (work/school/friends) - keep in mind you can be infectious for up to 3 days before symptoms develop
  • ​In your home, live in a separate room if possible  
  • Wash hands; wear a face mask around others; wipe down surfaces. 
Symptoms 
  • Common: fatigue, headache, sore throat, cough, runny nose 
  • Other symptoms: loss of taste and smell, mild shortness of breath, muscle or joint pain, fever, nausea, occasional vomiting or diarrhoea 
  • If you have breathlessness, trouble keeping fluids down, dizziness or confusion - call Sapphire Coast Medical Practice  
  • If you develop chest pain, severe shortness of breath, collapse -  call 000, tell them you have COVID-19 and need an ambulance.
 General care 
  • Rest; drink clear fluids frequently; use paracetamol and ibuprofen for symptom relief 
  • Keep in touch with family and friends; maintain a daily routine; spend time outdoors if able.
After isolation 
  • NSW Health strongly recommends people who are sick or have tested positive to COVID-19 stay home (unless for medical care or you feel unsafe at home) until their symptoms have gone.
  • People who have previously had COVID-19 are asked to test for COVID-19 after 4 weeks since their isolation ended if they have symptoms and follow the relevant health advice if they test positive
  • You can have your booster dose 12 weeks after acute infection.
Helpful numbers 
  • National Coronavirus Helpline 1800 020 080 (option 5 for interpreter services; 24/7 service) 
  • NSW Health Covid-19 Care at Home Support Line 1800 960 933 (8.30am-8.30pm) 
  • NSW Health Isolation Support line 1800 943 553 
  • Centrelink families line 136 150 –social worker/financial assistance.
Helpful websites 
SCMP remains focused on keeping our surgeries COVID-free, to enable us to continue clinical care of all our patients.  This means that a patient or visitor that tests positive to COVID-19 should not be seen INSIDE the premises.  All patients and visitors to the Bega and Tathra Surgeries are requested to wear a face mask if they have respiratory symptoms, and sanitise their hands on entry.

If you require medical assistance, please:
  • Phone either the Tathra Surgery 6494 1877 or Bega Surgery 6492 2555 PRIOR to presenting at either Practice;
  • If any cold or flu like symptoms are present, you will be asked to wait outside, wear a mask inside, and can only be seen inside the premises after receiving a negative COVID test.      

SCMP COVID-19 VACCINATION PROGRAM

  • SCMP is providing Pfizer XBB.1.5 booster vaccinations at our Bega and Tathra Surgeries on an as-needed basis.  Vaccinations can also be sourced from local pharmacies.
  • The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) have stated that a booster shot can be offered if it is more than 6 months since the last vaccination date or Covid infection, and irrespective of how many doses have previously been given.   
  • ATAGI recommends a booster for everyone over 75 years of age every six months.
  • ATAGI recommends a booster for everyone between 65 and 75 years of age every 12 months, but patients are also eligible for a booster dose every 6 months (based on an individual risk-benefit assessment).
  • Patients between 18-64 years of age are eligible for a booster dose every 12 months.
  • Those patients between 18-64 years of age with a significant medical condition putting them at increased risk of more severe disease are recommended to have a booster dose every 12 months and are eligible every 6 months (based on an individual risk-benefit assessment).
  • A booster can be considered/offered to everyone over 18 years of age, and those between 5 and 18 years of age with a significant medical condition putting them at increased risk of severe disease.
  • Patients 5-17 years old that are severely immunocompromised are eligible for a booster dose every 12 months.
  • A booster is not recommended for those under 5 year of age.
  • A booster is not recommended for 5-17 year olds with no increased risk factors.   
  • We strongly encourage EVERYONE who is eligible, to receive the vaccination as soon as possible.
  • Please be reassured the vaccine available to this group of patients, is safe and effective and will provide protection from COVID-19 for both us as individuals and to our whole community.
  • We will continue to provide information here on our website, the SCMP Facebook page and at our surgeries.
July 2024