Taking care with infections

How to reduce your risk

When to seek medical help

To prevent the spread of infection:

• check with your doctor about having vaccines for the flu and COVID-19
• ask people close to you to consider having the flu and COVID-19 vaccines
• ask family and friends with a cold, COVID-19, flu or other contagious infection (e.g. cold sores, measles, chickenpox) to wait until they are well before visiting
• as far as practical, avoid close contact with the people you live with if they are unwell
• try to avoid very crowded places, such as shopping centres or public transport in peak hour
• wash your hands with soap and water before preparing food, eating, and after using the toilet
• prepare and store food properly to avoid foodborne illnesses and food poisoning
• eat freshly cooked foods and avoid raw foods (fish, seafood, meat and eggs) and soft cheeses
• wash fruits and vegetables well before eating.

Contact your doctor or go to the nearest hospital emergency department immediately if you experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• a temperature of 38°C or higher
• chills or shivering
• sweating, especially at night
• a burning or stinging feeling when urinating (peeing)
• a severe cough or sore throat
• shortness of breath
• vomiting that lasts more than a few hours
• severe belly pain, constipation or diarrhoea
• unusual bleeding, such as blood in your urine (pee) or black bowel movements (poo) or nosebleeds
• ongoing faintness or dizziness, and rapid heartbeat
• any tenderness, redness or swelling around the site of your intravenous chemotherapy device
• any sudden decline in your health.