COVID cases remain high in our community and the onset of winter is likely to maintain significant levels of the virus locally.
With that in mind, Bass Coast Health’s new Director of Pharmacy Kym Bowring is offering tips for people with COVID to care for themselves at home when they have mild symptoms, such as a sore throat, cough or fever.
Anyone with more serious symptoms, including difficulty in breathing, should phone Triple Zero and request an ambulance.
“If your symptoms are mild, you are best to rest, stay hydrated and eat healthy food,” Kym said.
“If you have vomiting or diarrhoea, drink oral rehydration fluids such as Gastrolyte or Hydralyte.
“Paracetamol or ibuprofen can be taken for mild headache, aches and a sore throat, but if you’re unsure if these medications are safe for you to have, check with your doctor or pharmacist first.”
COVID patients can continue to take their regular medicines. A pharmacist may be able to offer telephone advice, as well as support for COVID patients to access over the counter medicines and their regular medicines via home delivery while they have COVID-19.
“For people at risk of developing severe disease, oral medications targeted at COVID-19 are now available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS),” Kym said.
“These treatments should be administered as soon as possible after symptom onset of COVID-19 to achieve the best outcome, usually within the first five days of symptoms appearing. Your doctor will be able to advise if these medications are an appropriate option for you.
“The benefit of these medicines is that they reduce the risk of someone with mild disease progressing towards more serious disease.”
BCH’s Pharmacy team has implemented medication guidelines - including staff training - to assist with the selection of appropriate treatment options for COVID patients treated at Wonthaggi Hospital and as part of the Hospital In The Home – COVID Home Monitoring Program.
Kym became Director of Pharmacy role earlier this year, taking over from Joanne Rolland who served more than 20 years in the role.
Kym has been with BCH’s Pharmacy team for four years and previously worked in community pharmacy.
“I’m looking forward to the completion of the hospital expansion project and growing our pharmacy team to meet the needs of a growing health service,” she said.
Throughout her directorship, Joanne led the department through accreditations, implemented the National Inpatient Medication Chart and expanded services, including the training of staff to deliver more services to the ITCU and haematology departments, and Partnered Pharmacists Medication Charting. She also helped to implement the intern pharmacy program.