Who is at risk and where to find information

COVID-19 is a new coronavirus. Coronaviruses cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. COVID-19 can affect your breathing and lungs. Most people experience mild illness and recover, but for some people it is more severe and may require medical attention and could result in death.

  • COVID-19 infection can be more severe for people aged 70 years and over, people aged 65 years and over with chronic medical conditions, people with compromised immune systems, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over the age of 50
  • Severe disease can also affect people with palliative care needs
  • If many people are infected it can also mean that your usual care team is not always available to help you and that you need to do more for yourself
  • Avoiding infection is best but if you or the person you are caring for becomes infected with COVID-19 there are things you can do.

Getting more information

Visit the National Palliative Care projects including:

Advance Care Planning Australia CarerHelp CareSearch

 

CareSearch is a Healthdirect information partner, working together to provide trustworthy information. Healthdirect has information to help you manage COVID-19:

Older people and their carers can also ring the free OPAN hotline for COVID-19 with any questions 1800 171 866


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Health Direct provides up to date information on COVID-19 issues for all Australians

The following list of resources have been selected to help people find additional trustworthy information on what COVID-19 is and what can be done. It also includes links to resources on palliative care for those who need them. Being prepared and informed is important. Knowing where to find trustworthy information helps.

People with Palliative Care needs
People at High Risk for Severe Infection
Finding Trustworthy Information

Last updated 15 March 2022