COVID-19 FAQs
Updated 26 December 2021
There are quite a few websites which are based on scientific findings and widely accepted knowledge.
From questions about safety and efficacy, to vaccination in children, to the risk of blood clots, and even decision-making guides for women planning pregnancy, this site is easy to navigate:
National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS)
In addition, people in Australia may find this site produced by the Department of Health quick and practical to use:
And for a general, global overview of COVID-19, check out the World Health Organization’s website for news, research and situation updates, The WHO even have a YouTube channel called “Science in 5” where they cover COVID-19 questions in a video and podcast series
Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses that cause the common cold, and more seriously illnesses such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).
The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new strain in humans, which researchers believe may have been passed to humans by exposure to bats or pangolins, following genomic sequencing.
On 20 January 2020, Chinese authorities confirmed the novel coronavirus was spreading person-to-person. The first case in Australia was confirmed on 23 January 2020,
Testing is recommended in people who display the following symptoms:
Fever OR chills in the absence of an alternative diagnosis that explains the clinical presentation
OR
Acute respiratory infection that is characterised by runny nose, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath or loss of sense of smell/taste
OR
Consider testing if you have headache, muscle aches, stuffy nose, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea and:
- You have returned from overseas in the past 14 days
- You have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19
- You are a health care or aged care worker
If you’re not sure, use the healthdirect Symptom Checker or ask your doctor.
In addition, check with official guidance on testing when travelling.
Here are the main ways you can find out.
You can phone the 24/7 National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080.
If you use the healthdirect Symptom Checker, you will be shown your closest COVID-19 clinics (not including GPs).
Or, you can also check the following links for your State or Territory:
ACT — covid19.act.gov.au
Qld — covid19.qld.gov.au
NT — coronavirus.nt.gov.au
NSW — nsw.gov.au/covid-19
SA — covid-19.sa.gov.au
Tas — coronavirus.tas.gov.au
Vic — dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
WA — healthywa.wa.gov.au
Find out what you can and can’t do in your state or territory here. Includes current advice on domestic travel.
For up-to-date travel advice, click here for the Smartraveller website.
It is widely recognised that public health emergencies can affect so many people, including affecting their mental health.
Firstly, please don’t feel that you have to manage this alone. I’d like to invite you to check out the Mental Health during COVID page I’ve written especially for people struggling during the pandemic. Reach out to someone you trust – partner, friend, family or colleague. Ring a mental health helpline. Book in with your GP. If you haven’t seen your psychologist for a while, give them a call.
There are many avenues of support. Don’t walk alone.