14 March 2020

Your health and wellbeing

**Updated 6 August**

Feeling unwell?

If you have any of the symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), however mild, you should seek advice and get tested. If you suspect you may have COVID-19, please call the dedicated hotline on 1800 675 398. You must call ahead to book an appointment with your doctor, general practitioner or emergency centre, and advise your symptoms, travel history and any recent close contact with someone who has COVID-19. To locate your nearest service, visit the National Health Service Directory.  

Deakin Medical Centres have limited capacity to see students. Please do not present at the Deakin Medical Centre; instead, phone the centre and a practice nurse will assist you in the first instance. This will assist the health and wellbeing of the entire Deakin community.

Triple Zero (000) should only be used for emergencies. International students will not have to pay for testing or treatment for COVID-19, as this should be covered by their health insurance.

Symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19)
The symptoms to watch out for are:

• Fever
• Chills or sweats
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Shortness of breath
• Runny nose
• Loss of sense of smell or taste

In certain circumstances headache, muscle soreness, stuffy nose, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may also be considered.

To get further advice, call the 24-hour coronavirus hotline 1800 675 398, your local doctor or use the DHHS online self-assessment tool.

Preventing the spread of COVID-19 

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Commonwealth Department of Health recommends that everyone should practise good hygiene. Good hygiene includes:   

• carry approved mandatory fitted face-covering and wear where you cannot maintain physical distancing or as required by the Stage Govnernment
• keep a distance from others – 1.5m – especially in crowded areas 
• regular use of alcohol-based hand sanitiser.  Especially after touching your face, your mask or common surfaces
• covering your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue
• dispose of tissues properly
• washing your hands often with soap and water, including before and after eating and after going to the toilet
• cleaning and disinfecting surfaces
• if you are sick, avoiding contact with others and staying more than 1.5 metres away from people
• cleaning and sanitising frequently used objects such as mobiles, keys and wallets.

COVID-19 Vaccination

Australia’s COVID-19 vaccination program is now underway, with individuals being immunised in phases based on priority groups. Currently, phases 1a, 1b and 2a are being rolled out, with other phases to become eligible in the months ahead.

It’s important to know that it is not compulsory for any Australian to have the vaccine, and there is no intention by Deakin to mandate it for students. We will continue to be guided by federal and state government and health authorities.

Attending a Deakin Campus – taking precautions

It is essential that anyone attending the campus, for approved reasons, complete the COVIDSafe module and follows COVIDSafe check-in requirements when on campus. 

You must also observe physical distancing requirements and practise good hygiene to minimise the risk of spreading illness.

If on the day of your learning activity, study or approved appointment you are not feeling well, you have been tested for COVID-19, or have been in contact with a suspected or confirmed case, you must not attend the campus. 

Many people are understandably experiencing feelings of uncertainty and worry about how the COVID-19 pandemic might impact their lives and loved ones. We have developed a guide to looking after your mental health, including strategies for managing your feelings. We also have a range of other support available to help you. If you are experiencing a higher level of distress, you can make an online appointment with our Counselling and Psychological Support service.

Should I get the flu vaccination?

Vaccination is the best protection against influenza. While the flu vaccine won’t protect you against COVID-19, it will reduce your risk of flu, which kills hundreds of people every year and leads to thousands of more hospitalisations. Symptoms of the flu can last for several weeks and include fever, aches and pains, headache, fatigue, chills and sweats.

We encourage you to get a flu vaccination for a number of reasons:

• Getting the flu and COVID-19 at the same time could make you very ill.
• The flu virus is constantly changing – so even if you were vaccinated last year, the protection provided by the previous year’s vaccine diminishes over time.
• Getting the flu vaccine will ease pressure on Australia’s health system – fewer cases of influenza will free up time and resources to deal with COVID-19.

You’re eligible for a FREE flu vaccination if you’re a student living on residences (register your interest at DRS reception) or an international student who holds OSHC cover and haven’t had one in 2020.

For all other students, the cost is $20, which is a small price to pay for your health and peace of mind.

Book your appointment online (select the flu vaccination appointment option for your campus) or phone your campus Medical Centre.

Some important things to remember: 

• When attending the campus, please go straight to the Medical Centre and follow all staff instructions. Physical distancing measures will be in place.
• Anyone getting a flu shot must wear a face mask. We have limited stocks of masks, so please source and bring your own if possible. 
• If on the day of your appointment you’re not feeling well, you have been tested for COVID-19 or have been in contact with a suspected or confirmed case, please do NOT attend.

You can also go to your GP or your local pharmacy for a flu shot but call ahead to check they have stock as sometimes community demand outweighs supply.

Social distancing explained

Social distancing includes ways to stop or slow the spread of infectious diseases. It means less contact between you and other people.

• Keep your distance – stay 1.5 metres away from people you don’t live with
• Greet people with a smile or wave – don’t shake hands, hug or kiss as a greeting
• Stay 1.5 metres away from people you don’t live with
• Avoid crowds, especially indoors
• When waiting in line or walking through busy areas, be patient, give others space so they can give you yours.

Read the Federal Government’s social distancing advice to learn how to practise social distancing. Deakin will implement social distancing measures consistent with Department of Health guidance. See the FAQs in the section ‘Deakin’s response to COVID-19’ to find out more.

Quarantine and self-isolation – the difference

Self-isolation and Quarantine are essential to stop the spread of COVID-19. 

• Quarantine separates and restricts the movement of people who have been or may have been exposed to coronavirus (COVID-19). 
• Isolation separates people with coronavirus (COVID-19) from people who do not. 

You can still self-isolate when you live with other people. To self-isolate, the Department of Health advises that:

• only people who usually live in the household should be in the home. Do not allow visitors into the home
• there is no need to wear masks in the home
• you should not attend public places; in particular, work, school, childcare or university
• where possible, ask others such as friends or family who are not required to be isolated to get food or other necessities for you
• if you must leave home, such as to seek medical care, wear a surgical mask if you have one
• you follow the above advice on practising good hygiene.

For more information on quarantine or self-isolation please visit the DHHS website.