Follow this guide.

I feel sick but can't get tested. What symptoms indicate COVID-19?

The classic symptoms of the original virus were persistent cough, fever, body ache, headache, loss of sense of smell, fatigue and difficulty breathing.

But for loss of sense of smell, those symptoms still manifest with the Omicron variant, though typical cold and flu like symptoms - such as sore throat, runny nose, congestion - appear to be more prevalent. Night sweats are also common with Omicron infection.

Looks like I have COVID-19. What are my first steps?

Monash University epidemiologist James Trauer said the first thing to do is self-isolate in your home for seven days to minimise the risk of household or community transmission.

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"As much as possible, you should try to isolate from any household contacts if you can, even though that can be quite difficult to do," Associate Professor Trauer said.

This would generally require you to stay in a separate, preferably well-ventilated, room in the house, away from others. If you can't avoid using certain shared spaces, such as the kitchen or bathroom, always wear a well-fitting mask when you leave your room and clean and disinfect any surfaces that you touch.

Your self-isolation regime, Professor Trauer said, should also incorporate arrangements for the safe provision of food and water - for instance, arranging with someone to leave essential supplies as your front door (if you live alone) or outside your bedroom door (if you don't).

Should I organise a support person?

Yes, especially if you live alone. You should tell your support person - usually a family member, friend or neighbour - that you suspect you have COVID-19 and ask them to check on you via text or phone twice a day at agreed times.

Should I contact my GP?

A telehealth consultation is recommended in the first instance, even if your symptoms are fairly mild. The consultation would enable your GP to give you an initial health assessment, which would include any risk factors you might have, as well as provide you with general advice on how to manage your condition.

How do I know if I'm vulnerable to developing severe disease?

Professor Trauer said older people and those with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions or diabetes had the greatest risk of developing more acute illness with COVID-19.

"[These] always come out as the strongest risk factors for poor outcomes if you have COVID-19," he said. "Vulnerable patients should ensure they're linked into a clinical health pathway, so it becomes the responsibility of health authorities to treat them and look after them."

So, if you have these risk factors, it's essential you make a telehealth appointment with your GP as early as possible, who will then develop a care plan to manage your health for the duration of infection.

What self-care measures can I take to alleviate symptoms?

Professor Trauer said basic measures, such as hydration, adequate bed rest and over the counter anti-inflammatories and paracetamol would assist in most cases.

"General basic supportive measures, like good fluid intake and bed rest, are certainly recommended," he said.

"But not strict bed rest," he said. "Depending on how severe your symptoms are, it's probably good to have some level of activity."

How do I monitor my symptoms?

Given COVID-19 is a respiratory illness, you should - if possible - use a pulse oximeter (available for purchase from pharmacies online) to keep an eye on both your oxygen saturation levels and your heart rate. If you begin to experience breathlessness or shortness of breath, you should inform your GP.

It's also important to watch your temperature, which you can do using a thermometer at home or by purchasing one online.

When should I seek urgent medical help?

If you experience a sudden deterioration with any or a combination of the following symptoms, you should call an ambulance: difficulty breathing, trouble waking up, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, severe confusion, cold or clammy skin, pale/grey/blue-coloured or mottled skin, lips or nails, and coughing up blood.

What can I do to prevent household transmission in the first place?

OzSAGE - a multi-disciplinary expert body headed by University of Melbourne epidemiologist Nancy Baxter - says the following 10 steps will help reduce the risk of household transmission:

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