Older adults and higher-risk people: when to contact a clinician for COVID-19
Older age, immune suppression and some chronic conditions can raise the risk of severe illness. Early clinical contact allows treatment options to be assessed in time.
Who may be at higher risk
Risk can increase with age, heart, lung, kidney or metabolic disease, obesity and immune suppression. Individual risk depends on several factors and should be assessed with a clinician.
Contact care early
If you test positive or develop compatible symptoms and are at higher risk, contact a healthcare service promptly. Some antivirals must be started early and may interact with regular medicines.
Prepare useful information
Have the date symptoms started, test results, medical conditions and a complete list of medicines, supplements and allergies ready. Seek urgent care for serious or rapidly worsening symptoms.
Sources
This content is general information, not a diagnosis or individual medical advice. Seek urgent help for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms.