COVID-19

What is a coronavirus and covid-19

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses known to cause respiratory infections. These can range from the common cold to more serious diseases such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).

How is this coronavirus spread?

• COVID-19 is most likely to spread from person-to-person through:

• Close contact with a person while they are infectious or in the 24 hours before their symptoms appeared.

• Close contact with a person with a confirmed infection who coughs or sneezes.

• Touching objects or surfaces (such as door handles or tables) contaminated from a cough or sneeze from a person with a confirmed infection, and then touching your mouth or face.

WHat are the symptoms of covid-19

The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to other colds and flus and include:

• fever

• sore throat

• cough

• tiredness

• difficulty breathing

• While corona-virus is of concern, it is important to remember that most people displaying these symptoms are likely suffering with a cold or other respiratory illness – not corona-virus.

consultations: we’re here to help

Burleigh Town Medical Centre is now offering phone consultations for;

• Patient’s who meet the current national triage protocol criteria for suspected COVID-19

• Patient’s isolating themselves at home on the advice of a medical practitioner

• Patient’s who have been travelling overseas with the last 14 days or have been in contact with anyone who has been travelling from overseas or are showing symptoms; Sore throat, running nose, shortness of breath or high fevers

  All patient’s who fit the above criteria with be Bulk Billed for over the phone Tele-Consultations with the doctor.

  For patient’s requesting over the phone consultations but do not fit the criteria as above, consultations will be $35, equivalent to a standard medicare rebate.