Are you really COVID ready?
As we move into the new reality of living with COVID in Western Australia, more people are worried about their health. For the vast majority, contracting the bug will result in mild to moderate illness, similar to a cold or flu. It can be managed at home with rest, fluids, common forms of symptom relief, and perhaps a check-in with the doctor if it’s more severe.
But for people who are medically vulnerable, there are additional things to consider. Clare Mullen, Acting Executive Director of Health Consumers’ Council (WA) said it was important for all of us to find out if we are in a high-risk category. And that means talking to a doctor as not everyone who has an existing health issue will be high risk.
Generally, people at higher risk of severe illness include those who are over 70 years of age, are having treatment for cancer or have a recent history of blood cancer, are living with chronic illness (including diabetes, heart and lung disease, and renal failure) or immunosuppressive diseases, and those who don’t have vaccine protection.
People who live with a disability, are pregnant, those in residential aged care, or in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are also more at risk, as well as people who have low or high blood pressure, severe obesity, suffer from neurological conditions (such as stroke or dementia), or severe mental health conditions.
It’s a good idea to get a COVID plan in place with your doctor, and ask for a letter outlining your health conditions and medications to keep on hand if you become unwell. Many practitioners are now reserving early morning appointments for high-risk patients who require in-clinic care. Maintaining a suitable supply of RATs, masks, food and essential medications is also important. “Stay socially connected, eat nutritious food, move joyfully and sleep well, too,” Ms Mullen says.
We also now have access to more COVID treatments, including antivirals, for people who are medically vulnerable or don’t have sufficient vaccine protection. “The important thing is getting these (treatments) in time, so vulnerable people need to make sure they get tested early and seek medical support and treatment early,” Ms Mullen said.
The WA COVID Care at Home remote monitoring service is available for people at higher risk of hospitalisation — you can register online at HealthyWA or with your doctor. Chat with your work about your risks and make plans for flexible work arrangements to reduce contact with others, as well as childcare and isolation if you become unwell. It’s a good idea to get a mental health plan from your doctor to help manage any COVID-related stress and anxiety, too.
“It’s to be expected that some of us will find this (transition) a bit challenging from time to time — including the people who are working in health services — so let’s all be compassionate to each other,” Ms Mullen tells me. And when I spoke to one person in a high-risk category this week, they pointed out “we’re all in the same storm, but the boats are so different”.
“It’s hard to hang out in a tinny with holes, while others are in their yachts. I find if you join support groups or similar, and find people who ‘get’ your world view it helps.”
Fiona Stanley Hospital has great information online, and the Health Consumers’ Council (WA) are developing an online hub with trusted information about living with COVID, and host regular information sessions — you can sign up to their mailing list to stay in the loop. Remember, most of us will be OK, and some will require additional treatment and support. Planning is key to reducing your worries, and protecting your health and wellbeing.
Health Consumers’ Council (WA): 08 9221 3422 (metro), 1800 620 780 (country only), Health Direct: 1800 022 222, Lifeline: 13 11 14, Interpreting Service: 13 14 50
This article was first published in The West Australian in Renée Gardiner’s weekly column in Agenda, 19 February 2022.