Affective COVID treatment for people with risk factors

Bulk billed online appointments for COVID-19 antiviral treatments

Covid-19 Positive

Receiving a positive COVID-19 diagnosis can be a very stressful and frightening time, particularly for people at higher risk of severe disease.

As each case varies greatly in symptoms and severity it is important to take action with antiviral treatments as soon as you test positive, regardless of your vaccination status.

Rapid Antigen Test

If you are suffering even mild symptoms it is important that you take a rapid antigen test at symptom onset. Test are available free of charge for all concession card holders at your pharmacy or healthcare provider.

If you do test positive and have a weakened immune system please please book an appointment immediately for a prescription of our latest antiviral drug.

New antiviral treatments

New oral antivirals treatments are now available, these medications are crucial in helping to protect higher risk individuals from severe illness. Our doctors have developed a simple questionnaire covering the eligibility criteria for a bulk billed online appointments.

If you or someone you care for has tested positive for COVID-19 select the link below as you may be eligible for a bulk billed appointment with one of our healthcare providers’ oral antiviral treatments.

Take the higher risk questionnaire here

COVID-19 Antiviral medicines have proven to be up to 90% effective for people suffering from mild to moderate cases of COVID-19. Patients using antiviral treatment have reported a reduction in symptoms and hospital admissions.

Antiviral prescriptions are in convenient tablet form and are taken orally over five days as soon as you develop symptoms of COVID-19.

BOOK NOW – eligibility, consult, e-prescripion – all bulk billed.

Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme

As part of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) antiviral medicines are now subsided ensuring you pay the minimum for oral antivirals.

Benefits of current antiviral treatment for high risk patients-

• In tablet form for safe at-home treatment
• Up to 90% reduction in severe illness
• Fewer side effects
• Boosts your immune system
• PBS approved
• Appointment costs are bulk billed through Medicare

 Possible risk factors for severe disease-

• Body Mass Index over 40
• Acquired immunodeficiency
• Blood cancer (such as leukaemia)
• Chronic lung disease
• Non-haematological cancer (diagnosed in the past 5 years)
• Chronic inflammatory condition
• Chronic renal (kidney) failure
• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Chronic liver disease
• Stroke or dementia
• Severe mental health conditions
• High blood pressure

Other risk factors-

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• People living in remote communities
• People with disability
• Older people (People living in aged care are at greatest risk)
• Pregnant women
• People with a compromised immune systemTreatment risks-if you are undertaking:
  • immune suppressive therapy
  • chemotherapy
  • radiotherapy
  • immunotherapy
  • targeted anti-cancer therapy
  • bone marrow transplant.

BY PHOEBE

SEPTEMBER 7, 2022

This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a licensed healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.