Keep yourself and others safe
Andrew Metcalfe - December 16, 2024
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As we enter the summer period, take care to make sure you stay healthy and safe.
In case you need to take some time away from others to recover from any illness, prepare for this by making sure you have enough prescription and other medicine.
Planning ahead is important because COVID and other viruses remain a risk. Getting a COVID booster, if eligible, will help protect you and your whānau. Don't forget to book in your influenza shot if you are vulnerable to the effects of influenza.
One of the best and easiest things to do is carry on with healthy habits such as staying home (or where you are staying) if you get sick, wash hands and wear a mask when in crowded places, especially indoors.
Stay safe - isolate
Te Whatu Ora - Health NZ 's advice is that if you are unwell, stay away from people at higher risk of getting very sick, such as babies, older people, immunocompromised and disabled people.
If you test positive for COVID-19, it is recommended you isolate for at least 5 days, even if you only have mild symptoms, starting at Day 0. If you’re unwell while away on holiday or at home, stay where you are.
It is also especially important to wear a face mask in closed, crowded or confined spaces, and if eligible, to take anti-viral medications as soon as you become ill with COVID-19.
Antivirals are free for those who meet the criteria. This includes: all people over the age of 65 Māori and Pacific people over the age of 50 people with compromised immune systems and those with long term health conditions. To access antivirals, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or hauora provider.
Face masks and rapid antigen tests (RATs) are still available from participating pharmacies and RAT collection sites. There is now a small cahrge in place for these.
Stay home if you’re unwell and get a COVID-19 test
The symptoms of flu can be the same as, or similar to, the symptoms of COVID-19. Both are highly contagious so if you feel sick, stay home and take a COVID-19 test. Read about COVID-19 testing.
There are medicines to treat COVID-19, a 5-day course of tablets that can be taken at home, to help manage the severity of COVID-19 symptoms. They are prescribed to people with COVID-19 who are at a higher risk of becoming significantly unwell and are available through your General Practitioner.
If you are Māori or Pacific, have complex health needs, are over 65, unvaccinated or have a disability, talk to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or health practitioner about whether these medicines are suitable for you.
If your flu or COVID-19 symptoms get worse or you are concerned about someone you care for, seek help. Call Healthline on 0800 611 116. It’s free and you can call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For information and advice about COVID-19, call the dedicated COVID-19 Healthline, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for free on 0800 358 5453.
Look after your mental wellbeing
This (and any) time of year, it is important to look after our wairua (spirit), hinengaro (mind), relationships and overall well-being.
There are a number of simple things you can do every day to support your mental wellbeing:
Stay connected with friends and whānau.
Stick to a schedule or routine as best you can.
Move your body daily.
Get outside and spend time in nature.
Limit your time online and the amount of news you follow.
Notice and appreciate small moments of joy.
Avoid alcohol and drugs as these can make things worse.
Find more information and advice see the mental health services webpage.
For more, visit https://covid19.govt.nz/