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Conditions
COVID-19
Respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Symptoms range from mild (similar to a cold) to severe. Most people recover at home with rest.
Get a certificate
From $24.95 · No appointment needed
6 min
avg cert turnaround
13 min
avg doctor review
2
days a week
30%
refund if declined
Symptoms
CommonsymptomsofCOVID-19
An AHPRA-registered doctor assesses these symptoms online - no in-person visit required.
Sore throat
Runny or blocked nose
Cough
Fatigue and body aches
Headache
Fever or chills
Loss of taste or smell
Shortness of breath
Our Scope
Howwecanhelp
InstantMed handles many common conditions entirely online. Here's what fits our service.
What we can help with
- Medical certificates for work or study absence
- Advice on symptom management
- Assessment of whether you need further care
- Guidance on isolation and return-to-work timing
What needs in-person care
- COVID-19 testing (visit a testing site or use a RAT)
- Antiviral medications (need specialised assessment)
- Treatment if you're experiencing severe symptoms
Depending on your situation, an AHPRA-registered doctor may be able to issue a medical certificate or arrange a repeat prescription after reviewing your request online.
Clinical Guidance
Whentoseeadoctor
These indicators suggest you should seek professional medical advice promptly.
Signs you need a doctor
- 1Symptoms not improving after 7 days
- 2You're in a high-risk group (over 65, immunocompromised, pregnant)
- 3You need a medical certificate for work
- 4Difficulty managing symptoms at home
Seek emergency care if
- Difficulty breathing or severe shortness of breath
- Chest pain or tightness
- Confusion or difficulty staying awake
- Bluish lips or face
Call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department
Clinical Insight
Adoctor'sperspectiveonCOVID-19
InstantMed Clinical Team
AHPRA-registered medical team · Reviewed 2026-03
COVID-19 in 2026 remains an ongoing respiratory illness, though the severity profile has changed significantly with widespread vaccination and prior infection. Most cases now present like a moderate cold or flu - sore throat, fatigue, cough, muscle aches - and resolve within 5-10 days. The main role of telehealth for COVID is providing medical certificates (you do not need a positive RAT for a certificate - clinical assessment of symptoms is sufficient) and identifying patients at higher risk who may benefit from antiviral treatment. Antivirals like Paxlovid are most effective when started within 5 days of symptom onset, so early assessment matters for eligible patients (over 70, immunocompromised, or with significant comorbidities). Long COVID - persistent symptoms beyond 12 weeks - affects a smaller proportion of cases now but remains a real condition requiring ongoing management.
Treatment
TreatingCOVID-19
Most COVID-19 cases are managed with symptomatic treatment at home. Antiviral therapy (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir -- Paxlovid) is PBS-listed for eligible high-risk patients and should be started within 5 days of symptom onset. High-risk criteria include age over 70, moderate-to-severe immunocompromise, or specific comorbidities per TGA/PBS criteria. All other patients receive supportive care: analgesia, rest, and hydration.
Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir
Paxlovid
Class:Antiviral (protease inhibitor combination)
Typical dose:300mg nirmatrelvir + 100mg ritonavir twice daily for 5 days, within 5 days of symptom onset
PBS:PBS listed for high-risk COVID-19 patients: age 70+, immunocompromised, or specific comorbidities
- Reduces hospitalisation and death risk by approximately 89% in unvaccinated high-risk patients
- Must be started within 5 days of symptom onset -- early telehealth assessment is appropriate for eligible patients
- Significant drug interactions (with statins, blood thinners, and other medications) -- requires medication review before prescribing
- Not recommended in severe renal or hepatic impairment
Paracetamol
Panadol, Panamax
Class:Analgesic / antipyretic
Typical dose:500-1000mg every 4-6 hours as needed, maximum 4g per day
PBS:Available OTC without prescription
- First-line for COVID-related fever, headache, and body aches
- Preferred over ibuprofen in patients with renal risk factors
- Monitor total daily intake across all products containing paracetamol
Source: Australian Government Department of Health COVID-19 treatment guidelines, 2024; TGA Paxlovid product information. This information is educational only and does not replace clinical assessment.
Specialist referral: High-risk patients (age 70+, immunocompromised, significant comorbidities) should be assessed within 5 days of symptom onset for antiviral eligibility. Attend emergency if experiencing difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, or oxygen saturation below 94%. Long COVID (symptoms persisting beyond 12 weeks) warrants GP assessment and possible referral to a long COVID clinic.
COVID-19 in Australia
COVID-19 remains one of Australia's leading notifiable diseases, with seasonal peaks in winter
Antiviral treatments are available on the PBS for eligible high-risk Australians
Long COVID affects an estimated 5-10% of infected individuals, with fatigue being the most common persistent symptom
Current Australian guidelines recommend staying home until acute symptoms resolve, with no mandatory isolation period
Recovery
Whattoexpect
Typical recovery timeline and return-to-work guidance for most patients.
Typical recovery
Most people recover in 5-10 days. Fatigue and cough may linger for 2-3 weeks. Some people experience prolonged fatigue for several weeks beyond other symptom resolution.
Return to work
Current Australian guidelines recommend staying home while you have acute symptoms. Most people return to work within 5-7 days. Wearing a mask for 7 days after returning is considerate, especially in healthcare or aged care settings. There is no longer a mandatory isolation period.
When to reassess
See a doctor if you are in a high-risk group and within 5 days of symptom onset (antiviral eligibility), if you develop difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, or if symptoms are worsening after initial improvement. If symptoms persist beyond 4 weeks, discuss possible long COVID with your GP.
Self-Care
ManagingCOVID-19athome
Evidence-based tips to support your recovery alongside medical treatment.
Rest and stay hydrated - your body is fighting a viral infection and needs energy for recovery
Paracetamol and ibuprofen manage fever, body aches, and headache effectively
Use a throat lozenge or honey in warm water for sore throat
Isolate from vulnerable household members if possible - the elderly and immunocompromised remain at higher risk
Monitor your breathing - if you become breathless doing normal activities, seek medical attention
Do not push through fatigue during recovery - gradually increase activity as energy returns
FAQ
CommonquestionsaboutCOVID-19
Answers to the most common questions from patients.
Yes. Our doctors can provide medical certificates for COVID-related absences. You don't need a positive test - a clinical assessment of your symptoms is sufficient.
Current Australian guidelines recommend staying home until acute symptoms resolve, usually 5-7 days. Your employer may have specific policies.
No. Our doctors assess your symptoms and can provide a certificate based on clinical judgement. A positive test isn't required.
Yes. Most COVID cases are mild and well-suited to telehealth. We can advise on symptom management, medication, and when to seek in-person care.
Ready to get help with COVID-19?
Australian-registered doctors review your request when available.
Full refund if the doctor declines.