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Summary

  • 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.

Relevant Tests

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:

Last Updated: Thursday, 31st July 2025

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Pathology Tests Explained (PTEx) is a not-for profit group managed by a consortium of Australasian medical and scientific organisations.

With up-to-date, evidence-based information about pathology tests it is a leading trusted source for consumers.

Information is prepared and reviewed by practising pathologists and scientists and is entirely free of any commercial influence.

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