When Bomaderry resident Elva Kielly caught COVID-19, she said it "felt like absolute hell", but praised the assistance from the local health district that helped her through the virus.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Elva and her husband Peter developed symptoms in December after they visited their daughter in Melbourne.
And while they are now on the other side, there is still a lingering cough.
"The cough does seem to be something that stays with you for a while," said Elva. "And the fatigue."
Elva listed a sore throat, loss of taste, fatigue, muscle aches and pains and rapidly changing fevers as other symptoms she experienced.
"There were fevers - hot and cold - fatigue set in, sneezing and just going through the tissues," said Elva.
"The fact we were vaccinated probably lessened its acuteness, but we still felt pretty bad."
But one local health service made their experience much more manageable - the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District's (ISLHD) virtual community care team.
"It was an absolutely wonderful support, I can't praise them enough," said Elva.
"It was very, very comforting and reassuring to have that voice at the other end of the phone when you're stuck away isolating."
The ISLHD, Southern NSW Local Health District and South Eastern primary health network Coordinare prepared the cross-regional virtual care approach in June 2020 to assist COVID-19 patients at home.
The technology enables clinical teams to offer tailored patient care when required and helps them stay in touch with a multidisciplinary team, which includes their GP.
While Elva isolated, she received calls from the team's nurses and doctors who provided general check ups and advice.
"The nurse rang and went through general questions, 'have you done your blood pressure this morning, how are you feeling, are you sleeping okay?'" she said.
"And a doctor rings you, they go through the same questions and give the ultimate nod that you can be released.
"You could ask them any question you liked and they were able to answer everything we put before them, they suggested what medicines to take for the aches and pains and we followed their instructions.
"It's a really good system, it keeps you away from your doctor and they inform them for you. I can't praise them highly enough."
Elva said herself and Peter used paracetamol and ibuprofen to relieve symptoms, and they both got plenty of rest and fluids.
"We both retired and have pre-existing conditions, so we were very cautious prior going to Melbourne," she said.
"All I can say to people is you have to keep on masking up, and if you catch it, you must rest."
NSW Health advises that people who are aged under 65, not pregnant, do not have any chronic health conditions and have had two doses of the vaccine can manage their illness safely at home with rest, paracetamol or ibuprofen to ease fevers and aches, throat lozenges, and keeping hydrated.
Anyone who does not fit into those categories or has concerns should call the support line on 1800 960 933 or their GP.
If a person experiences severe symptoms, such as severe dizziness, chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, or confusion, call triple-0.
We depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.