While strict COVID isolation rules are now a thing of the past, the virus hasn’t disappeared, and neither has the flu. The official advice from Australia’s Department of Health and Aged Care is to stay home if you have any cold or flu-like symptoms, particularly if you test positive for COVID.
No, you won’t be fined for heading to the shops with a sniffle, but isolating when you’re unwell is still one of the most effective ways to protect others, especially older Australians and those with underlying health issues.
If you do test positive for COVID, it’s recommended you avoid contact with people at higher risk, like those in aged care facilities or hospitals, for at least seven days.
The current COVID advice
Here’s what to do if you test positive for COVID-19 in 2025:
- Rest and recover at home until your symptoms ease. There’s no mandatory isolation period, but it’s recommended that you stay home until you’re feeling well again.
- Let close contacts know, especially anyone who may be vulnerable.
- Avoid visiting high-risk settings such as aged care homes or hospitals for seven days.
- Practice good hygiene. Think frequent handwashing, coughing into your elbow and wearing a mask in public if you do need to go out.
Each state and territory may offer slightly different advice, so if in doubt, check your local health department’s website for the most up-to-date information.
Have the flu? Here’s how long you should stay home
If you’ve been diagnosed with influenza – or suspect that’s what’s knocked you down – the general rule is to rest up at home and avoid contact with others until your symptoms have resolved and you’ve been fever-free for at least 24 hours.
Just like COVID, the flu can hit hard, particularly in older people, pregnant women, and those with chronic health issues. If you fall into one of these categories, or if your symptoms are severe, don’t hesitate to check in with your GP. Antiviral medications may help, but they work best when taken early.
Why the flu shot still matters
While many of us are well and truly over anything virus-related, annual flu vaccinations remain a simple and effective way to reduce your risk of serious illness.
Flu vax is recommended for everyone aged six months and older, and it’s free for many Australians, including people aged 65 and over, children under five, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and anyone with underlying health conditions. You can book through your GP or local pharmacy, and many workplaces now offer it too.
Places you should avoid with COVID or the flu
Whether it’s COVID, the flu or just a nasty cold, staying home when sick is more than just common sense – it’s a small act of care that helps protect your community.
Aged care facilities and hospitals continue to take extra precautions to manage outbreaks and reduce transmission of both COVID and the flu.
If you work in or visit these settings, you may be asked to wear a mask, show proof of vaccination, or stay away if you’ve had symptoms recently, even if you feel fine. These protocols help protect those who are more likely to experience complications.
For the latest advice, check in with:
- health.gov.au – for national health guidance
- Your state or territory health department
- Your local GP – especially if you’re in a high-risk group
Regardless of your situation, taking a few simple steps when you’re unwell, like staying home and resting, can make a real difference this winter.
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