With COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations on the rise in Victoria, health authorities are urging everyone to take precautions—especially as we head into the holiday season. Social gatherings are increasing, and so is the risk of viral transmission. Now more than ever, it’s essential to protect yourself and those you care about, particularly individuals at higher risk of severe illness.
This guide offers straightforward steps to safeguard your health, outlines current COVID-19 trends in Victoria, and provides tips for reducing transmission during this crucial time.
Understanding Victoria’s Current COVID-19 Trends
Hospitalizations and Cases Are on the Rise
The latest data shows a 12% rise in hospitalizations, with the 7-day average now at 194. Cases have also increased by 10% in the past week—a staggering 63% rise in the past month.
Symptoms to Watch For
COVID-19 symptoms vary in severity and can appear 1–14 days after exposure. Common symptoms include:
- Runny nose, sore throat, cough, and shortness of breath
- Fever, chills, or sweats
- Other possible symptoms like fatigue, headache, loss of appetite, muscle soreness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or even a loss of sense of taste or smell
If you develop symptoms, take immediate action by using a rapid antigen test (RAT). A quick response can make a significant difference in managing the illness, especially for those eligible for antiviral treatments.
Who Is Most at Risk?
While anyone can contract COVID-19 and develop severe symptoms, certain groups are particularly vulnerable, including:
- Individuals aged 65 and older
- People with chronic conditions or disabilities
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations
If you fall into one of these categories or have loved ones who do, prioritize precautions to reduce the risk of severe illness.
Steps to Protect Yourself and Others
Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just going about your daily activities, these simple measures can help protect you and the people around you.
1. Stay Home if You Feel Unwell
One of the most effective ways to reduce transmission is by staying home if you’re experiencing cold or flu symptoms. Watch for any signs of COVID-19 and prioritize resting until you feel better.
If your symptoms worsen, contact your GP for guidance or seek immediate medical attention for severe symptoms such as chest pain or difficulty breathing.
2. Test If You Have Symptoms
Rapid antigen tests (RATs) remain essential tools for COVID-19 detection. If you test positive, follow the Checklist for COVID-19 Cases to ensure proper care and recovery.
Remember, if you’re eligible for antiviral treatments, start them as soon as possible after testing positive (within five days of symptom onset). Speak with your GP to determine the best course of treatment.
3. Stay Home Until Symptoms Clear
If you’ve tested positive for COVID-19, stay home until your symptoms clear. Avoid visiting high-risk places, such as hospitals or aged care facilities, for at least seven days after symptoms begin.
Reducing contact with others is a critical way to stop the virus from spreading to those who might be more vulnerable to severe outcomes.
4. Get Vaccinated and Stay Up to Date
Vaccines remain a powerful defence against severe illness. If you’re overdue for a booster, especially if you’re aged 75 or older, now is the time to act.
Boosters are free and widely available through GPs and pharmacies, ensuring easy access for everyone who needs them.
5. Wear a Mask in High-Risk Settings
It’s a simple step, but it works. Wear a mask if you have symptoms or plan to visit at-risk places like aged care facilities or healthcare settings. This helps protect those around you, particularly individuals with compromised immune systems.
6. Improve Air Circulation
Fresh air plays a key role in reducing viral transmission. Open windows wherever possible, or choose outdoor settings for gatherings to decrease the likelihood of airborne spread.
7. Talk to Your GP About Antivirals
For those at risk of severe illness, antiviral medications can reduce the severity of COVID-19, preventing hospitalization or worse. However, these medications are time-sensitive and must be taken within five days of symptom onset.
If you think you may qualify, consult with your GP promptly to ensure timely access.
Special Considerations for Sensitive Settings
High-risk environments such as hospitals, aged care facilities, disability services, and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organizations require extra vigilance to prevent outbreaks.
Health professionals in these settings are encouraged to follow enhanced infection prevention and control measures. Members of the public are urged to avoid visiting these settings when symptomatic, no matter how mild the symptoms may seem.
You can find comprehensive COVID-19 infection prevention guidelines on the Better Health Channel website.
Keeping Yourself and the Community Safe
By taking these small but impactful steps, you’re playing a vital role in protecting not only your health but also the well-being of those around you. Whether it’s your elderly relative visiting for the holidays or a neighbour with a chronic condition, your actions have the power to make a difference.
Stay safe, stay informed, and take all necessary precautions to enjoy a healthy and happy holiday season.
For more information, visit the Better Health Channel website, or contact your healthcare provider for personalized advice.