Care for myself when I or someone else is unwell
Knowing what to do you or someone else is unwell means that you can treat symptoms quicker and know when to seek help. To find out how to look after yourself or someone else when they are sick follow the guide below.
Outcome
To understand what to do when I or someone else is unwell
Let's start with why this is important:
- there are many things we can do at home to help with symptoms of sickness
- when you are sick it is important to know what to do so that you know when to call a doctor or an ambulance
Information
KEY WORDS
Bulk bill: this is a doctor or medical service that charges no more than the 'schedule fee' and you will not be out of pocket
Schedule fees: some doctors and medical services charge more than the schedule fee so you will need to pay the difference e.g. my doctor charges $120 but the schedule fee is $85 so I must pay the difference of $45.
Medicare refund: when you are required to pay more than the schedule fee, you will pay it to the doctor/medical service and you will then recieve a refund that day into your bank account.
Click here for video transcript.
When a burn happens, it is best to act fast. Follow the instructions below to know how to care for burns.
What to do next
Check your symptoms
Use this tool to check your or another persons symptoms. You will be asked many questions about your sickness and then you will be told whether you can stay at home or should go to the hospital. It will also give you advice about how to treat your symptoms.
Find a doctor you trust
If you’re not sure which doctor to see for your health issue, here are some tips for choosing the right one:
- Ask a friend, relative, teacher or counsellor to recommend one
- Ask at a community health centre
- Search this website
REMEMBER NOT ALL DOCTORS BULK BILL SO MAKE SURE YOU FIND THIS OUT BEFORE YOU MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
Making an appointment
Once you’ve found some good local doctors or health professionals you should give them a call to make sure they’re suitable and to find out the costs of seeing them.
Here's a list of practical things to consider when you talk to them:
- How much do the services cost?
- What costs are covered by Medicare?
- Does the service meet your special needs (like access issues if you have a disability)?
- Is there a cancellation fee if you miss an appointment?
- Do you prefer getting health advice and treatment from a man or a woman?
- Will they understand your religious or cultural background
Create a home first aid kit
Create your own medical first aid kit by using the list below, in this kit you should have the following:
You can buy most of these things from a supermarket but you may need to go to a pharmacy for a thermal blanket.
More Information & Services
- If you are seriously sick or injured: Call an ambulance on triple zero (000) or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.
- If you have a minor illness or injury: Call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 for advice, or visit your GP, local medical centre or pharmacist.
- If you need ongoing medical care: Visit your GP.
- If you need information about medications visit your local pharmacy.
- If you need general health information: Search online, using the links suggested by healthdirect.
Call the Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511 to speak to a mental health professional who can advise you on the right care for your situation. This might involve arranging a hospital admission, or organising for an appropriate person to contact you.
You can also phone Lifeline on 13 11 14 for help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week if you are thinking about suicide or experiencing a personal crisis.
All Health & Wellbeing
