• COVID-19 is the disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
• COVID-19 can affect anyone. But it's more serious for older people, pregnant females and people with underlying medical conditions.
• Most people with COVID-19 only get mild symptoms but some people can become very unwell.
• Wearing a face mask, practising good hygiene and maintaining physical distance from others where possible helps to protect against COVID-19.
• Getting the COVID-19 vaccination helps to protect you against getting severe disease.

These key facts are from healthdirect.gov.au (accessed 28 Jan 2025). Visit the healthdirect website for more information about COVID-19.

If your doctor suspects you have COVID-19, they may request one or more tests.

If you are diagnosed with COVID-19, some of these tests will be used to monitor and manage your condition.

Find information about specific tests:

• SARs-CoV-2 rapid antigen test (RAT)
• SARS-CoV-2 PCR test
• SARS-Cov-2 serology test