5 days ago
Here are the current rules on isolating when you're sick this flu season
I don't know about you, but the times of having to quarantine due to COVID-19 feel like a distant memory.
But around this time each year, we're reminded that the virus is still active, as are many other serious respiratory illnesses during "flu season".
There have been more than 65,000 cases of COVID-19 so far this year nationwide, more than 81,000 Influenza cases and 50,000 cases of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), according to the Australian Respiratory Surveillance Report.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has also designated a new strain known as NB.1.8.1, which is now the dominant variant in China and Hong Kong, as a "variant under monitoring".
So, what has changed when it comes to quarantine rules? And do you still have to isolate if you or a family member has a respiratory illness?
Advanced epidemiologist Anne Maree Baldwin says we're in a different situation now than five years ago when COVID-19 first arrived in Australia.
"We had a new virus in a population without immunity, which was expected to have devastating impacts," says the public health expert from the Sunshine Coast/Kabi Kabi lands.
"But now all or almost all of the population has some immunity to COVID through vaccination and having the disease."
We are no longer required by law to quarantine or isolate when we have COVID-19.
But Ms Baldwin says it is recommended.
"Stay home and away from others when you have symptoms, irrespective of whether it's COVID or another respiratory illness," she says.
"If you must go out, we ask people to wear a mask, avoid indoor or crowded situations, and keep away from others as best you can."
Dr Libby Sander is an associate professor of organisational behaviour at Bond University on the Gold Coast/Kombumerri.
She says there has been a culture shift since the pandemic back to a place where some employees feel obligated to go back to work even if they're unwell.
"I'm often hearing [about instances] where people are being expected to go to work when they're sick because of staff shortages or they just feel obliged to go in because of the workload.
"If you are sick, you shouldn't go to work, no-one wants you to make them sick."
You can be infectious with respiratory illness from up to 48 hours before your symptoms start.
So, if you've had a loved one or housemate at home who's been unwell, should you go to work?
Ms Baldwin says it comes down to organisational policy.
"Just communicating first and foremost, so everyone's aware," she says.
"In general, quarantine isn't needed if exposed to COVID, we just ask that you stay away from others if you develop symptoms."
She says it's particularly important to avoid people more likely to get severely sick, including immunocompromised people, older people, infants, and pregnant women.
Dr Sander says working from home arrangements can provide people with security and flexibility.
"If you're not really unwell you can keep working, you're not worrying about infecting other people … so I think flexibility is really important."
In general, you don't automatically need to take a rapid antigen tests (RAT) after being around someone who's been sick.
But it is recommended if you start developing symptoms or are planning on visiting a high-risk setting like aged care facilities, disability care, hospitals, or other healthcare settings.
Ms Baldwin says testing is important for people who are either very sick or need antiviral medicine.
"We have the RAT tests and they're widely available now in supermarkets and pharmacies, often for about $10," she says.
"Some can test for four viruses, Influenza strains A and B, COVID and RSV.
"The RATs are helpful for a quick result, which is important when the COVID and influenza antiviral should be started in a day or two of symptom onset."
A diagnosis for whooping cough requires a PCR test (polymerase chain reaction) from a GP to receive the necessary antibiotics.
Chief medical officer at Healthdirect Australia, Nirvana Luckraj, says if you have tested positive for respiratory illness, "you should stay at home until all of your acute symptoms have gone".
She says acute symptoms include sneezing, coughing and a sore throat.
"If you still have acute symptoms like a cough after seven days, you may still be infectious. You should continue to wear a mask and physically distance whenever possible."
Our experts say it's important to prepare yourself each year.
"We see COVID waves and whooping cough at any time of the year and most RSV is actually at this time of year," Ms Baldwin says.
"So being prepared is important and the best way to do that is vaccinate."
You can get both the COVID and influenza vaccines at the same appointment — the Australian Department of Health advises that it is safe to do this and doctors and pharmacists will now allow this.
This is general information only. For personal advice, you should see a qualified medical practitioner.
