How to monitor COVID-19 symptoms
If you develop symptoms such as severe shortness of breath or chest pain, call triple zero (000) immediately. Tell the call handler and the paramedics on arrival if you have COVID-19.
Why is it important that I monitor my symptoms?
Most people can manage COVID-19 at home and may have no symptoms or mild to moderate symptoms. But symptoms can change so it’s important to understand what to look for if they get worse.
A GP can work with you to monitor your symptoms for as long as you are sick. They may ask you to keep a record of your temperature, oxygen levels and heart rate.
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has developed a guide for people managing COVID at home. It includes a COVID-19 action plan and a diary that you can use to track your symptoms.
When should I seek medical advice?
If your symptoms begin to worsen, call your GP for advice.
If you develop severe symptoms, you should call triple zero (000) for an ambulance and tell the ambulance staff that you have COVID-19.
You should also contact your GP or health service if you’re pregnant, have any chronic conditions or have any concerns about your health.
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the COVID-19 Symptom Checker to find out if you need medical help.
How do I check my respiratory rate (breathing)?
Try to relax and breathe normally. Set a timer for 30 seconds, and start to count the number of times you breathe in and out before the time is up. Double this number and this will be your respiratory rate per minute.
Your GP or nurse can also count your respiratory rate by watching your chest rise and fall when doing a video check-up. If you can’t check your own respiratory rate, think about if you are:
- breathless when you walk
- breathless when you are sitting
- breathless when you are speaking
Make a note to discuss with your GP if feelings of breathlessness are getting better, worse or remain the same.
How do I check my heart rate (pulse)?
Your pulse oximeter can also check your heart rate. Your pulse is your heart rate, and this is the number showing next to the PR (pulse rate) or BPM (beats per minute) symbol.
Some smartphones and smartwatches have a heart rate function, however these are not accurate and should not be used. If you don’t have a pulse oximeter, you can check your heart rate manually by placing your index and middle fingers of one hand on the opposite wrist under the thumb.
With your fingers lightly on your wrist, you can count the number of beats that you feel over 30 seconds. You then need to calculate the beats per minute by doubling the number of beats you counted over 30 seconds. This number is your heart rate.
How do I check my oxygen level?
If you’ve been given a pulse oximeter, you may be asked to check your oxygen levels once or twice a day. The device clips over your finger. It does not hurt and only takes a minute to check your level.
You can also purchase a pulse oximeter from a pharmacy over the phone or online, and have it delivered to your home. Some smartphones and smartwatches have a pulse oximeter function, however these are not accurate and should not be used.
If you are looking after a child with COVID-19 and are asked to monitor oxygen levels, you might require a pulse oximeter specially designed for children. Your GP or nurse will discuss this with you.
When testing your oxygen:
- Remove any nail polish or false nails. These can interfere with the device.
- Wash your hands with warm water and thoroughly dry them. The device works best when your hands are warm.
- Sit in an upright position.
- Give your fingers a wiggle and rub them to get the blood flowing.
- Attach the clip to one of your fingers so that the tip of your finger is touching the end of the device. The palm of your hand should be pointing down, and the screen of the pulse oximeter should be pointing up so you can read it.
- Keep your hand and fingers still.
- Breathe normally and restfully.
- After waiting for 1 minute, record the number next to the SpO2 symbol.
Your oxygen level should be 95% or higher. If it’s lower than this, then it could be a sign you need more frequent check-ups with your GP or nurse, or that it is safer for you to be in hospital.
If you are not getting a reading, or if the reading is under 95%, give your fingers a wiggle, take a few breaths and try the device on a different finger.
If it is still low, contact your GP or nurse.
Pulse oximeters may over or under-estimate oxygen saturation. The accuracy of the measurement can be affected by many factors, including skin pigmentation, correct fitting of the device, peripheral blood flow, nail coatings, tattoos and dyes, and maintenance and cleaning of the devices.
It’s important to remember that pulse oximeters should only be one part of an overall treatment plan between you and your GP.
Related topics
Caring for someone else
If you are looking after someone in your home there are things you can do to keep yourself, your household and the person with COVID-19 safe. Learn more here.
Treating symptoms at home
People with a mild case of COVID-19 can treat their symptoms in a similar way to how they treat a seasonal flu. Here's how to relieve symptoms at home.
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Last reviewed: February 2022
