Introduction to Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by a novel coronavirus – severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Since being reported in late 2019, COVID-19 has spread around the world, leading the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare a pandemic in early March 2020. COVID-19 is now endemic in Australia.

COVID-19 symptoms and their severity can vary and are often dependant on the virus variant. Clinical features suggestive of COVID-19 include fever, cough, sore throat, malaise, headache, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and loss of taste and smell. Patients may also have asymptomatic infection.

This topic lists national guidelines for COVID-19 diagnosis and management, and vaccination. Always access the most up-to-date version of the guidelines as they are updated regularly.