COVID-19 and your health

Top tips to help keep you and your family stay safe

COVID-19 and you

As we move through the COVID-19 pandemic, studies from the United Kingdom show that people living with obesity are up to one and a half times more likely to test positive for COVID-19 when compared to those in the healthy weight range.   

Once infected with COVID-19, people living with overweight and obesity are more likely to experience severe disease outcomes. 

Whilst the connection between living with overweight and obesity, and severe outcomes from COVID-19 are not yet clearly understood, it is thought that underlying health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, autoimmune disease or oral steroid use may be contributing factors. 

Protect yourself

If you are living with overweight and obesity there are things you can do to protect yourself so as to minimise your risk of contracting COVID-19. If you become infected, there are also things you can do to try and minimise the impacts on your health.

These include:

  • Getting vaccinated, including your booster shot if eligible. Find a vaccination clinic near you on the Roll up for WA website. All WA health staff administering COVID-19 vaccinations are trained and understand when there may be a requirement to use a larger needle to ensure correct administration of the vaccine for people living in larger bodies.   
  • Wearing a mask when in public.
  • Washing your hands frequently. Learn how to wash your hands properly here.
  • Carrying hand sanitiser for those times you cannot wash your hands.  
  • Maintaining a physical distance from people – at least 1.5m.
  • Avoiding large indoors social events if possible.
  • Being aware of COVID-19 symptoms

Prepare yourself

Despite your best efforts, you may still contract COVID-19 so it is important to be prepared in the event you do become ill. Steps you can take include: 

  • Checking in with your trusted health professional to discuss your specific risks and whether there is anything specific you can do to prepare yourself if you become ill. 
  • Developing a COVID plan for yourself, including identifying a support person who you can reach out to if you become unwell.  
  • Preparing a COVID-19 Care Kit: Information can be found under the “Be Prepared” tab. 
  • Purchasing some easy to prepare foods in case you need to isolate.   
  • Buying some Rapid Antigen Test (RATS) so you won’t have to leave the house to get tested if you develop symptoms.  If you live in Western Australia, you can apply for 15 free tests per household here.  

If you get COVID-19

Most people who do become ill with COVID-19 do not need to be hospitalised and can recover quite well at home. Below are some key links to information that will might help while you’re getting better.
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When to seek help
If your symptoms worsen, please seek help from your GP or contact emergency healthcare.  Further advice on what to expect when you contract COVID-19 and when to seek help can be found here. 
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Register positive RATs
If you confirm your COVID-19 infection via a positive rapid antigen test or RAT it is mandatory in Western Australia to register this result.    
Hand holding a positive COVID-19 rapid antigen test
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Self-isolate
If you have a confirmed case of COVID-19, you must follow current WA Health advice on self-isolation.
Wooden house with blocks spelling #stay home
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Register for WA COVID Care at Home
A home monitoring service for people with risk factors that put them at greater risk of hospitalisation, including people living in larger bodies.
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Monitor symptoms
Use a symptom diary to monitor your symptoms to see if you are getting worse

Additional COVID-19 resources

It’s important you are as informed as possible to help you stay healthy. Below are some additional resources that might help you.