Reduce respiratory spread
Wash hands, cover coughs and sneezes, improve ventilation, and limit close contact while ill. Masks can provide additional protection. Ask a healthcare service about annual flu vaccination appropriate to you.
- Older people, pregnant people, young children and those with chronic conditions should seek advice early when unwell.
- Do not self-prescribe antibiotics as a substitute for treatment of a viral illness.
Dengue spreads through mosquitoes, not directly through wading
Prevent mosquito bites and remove water-holding containers. Severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding, rapid breathing or marked weakness need immediate medical care. Warning symptoms may develop as fever subsides.
- A falling temperature does not always mean recovery.
- Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen if dengue is suspected; ask a healthcare professional about medicines.
Understand the limits of home tests
A COVID-19 test detects its labelled target, not every cause of fever. One negative antigen result does not rule out COVID-19. Follow the instructions and advice on repeat testing. Seek care for severe symptoms or fever after floodwater exposure.
- COVID-19 tests do not diagnose leptospirosis, melioidosis or dengue.
- Check intended use, expiry date and instructions before testing.
Sources
Sources checked on 29 September 2026. General guidance, not a live outbreak report.