He Pātai

Covid-19 numbers are rising again, re-infection is a thing and the flu is hitting hard. Here’s some of your latest questions answered.

• I’ve heard the flu is pretty bad. What should I do if I get it?

  Be prepared to manage your symptoms at home. Remember these five things:

  1. Vitamin C

  2. Hydration

  3. Paracetamol + ibuprofen

  4. Rest

  5. Good kai

• I am at home sick. How do I know if it’s bad enough to see my GP?

  Whether you have tested positive for Covid-19 or have the flu, seek help via your GP or call Healthline on 0800 611 116 if:

  • You have been unwell for 3-4 days and are getting worse

  • Increasing shortness of breath

  • Chest pain or severe headache

  • Cough with large amounts of coloured or phlegm/sputum/spit

  • Unable to drink/not passing urine/persistent vomiting

  • Increased confusion

  • Skin rash that does not disappear when pressed on

  • Babies are taking less than half their usual feeds

• Are masks still necessary?

  Āe! Even through many places are relaxed about it, masks are still an important way to help prevent the spread of the flu and Covid-19 virus. They’re still a thing – keep them on when out and about. If you need masks, contact one of the local Māori health providers or your local marae.

• What can I do to reduce my chances of getting sick?

  Eat healthy, get plenty of Vitamin C and good kai, wear a mask and get vaccinated ... for both Covid-19 and the flu. You can get your flu vaccination at any Covid-19 vaccination centre, or your local pharmacy or GP. Te Piki Oranga and other Māori health providers like Waikawa Marae are still offering pop-up kaupapa Māori clinics. So look out for them too.

• Do I need a medical certificate to show my employer I have Covid-19?

  When you are confirmed as having Covid-19, or identified as a household contact needing to isolate, a text is sent to you from the Ministry of Health’s 2328 or 2648 numbers.

  Proof of needing time off work can be provided by showing your employer the text message.

• Do I have to isolate with flu or cold symptoms?

  Best to. If you have any cold or flu symptoms at all, stay home and rest up and self-manage symptoms. If you continue to be unwell after 3 to 4 days, call Healthline on 0800 611 116 or your GP. If you need medical attention, you will still be seen. Don’t be worried about asking for help.

• I am isolating but am feeling really bad and am getting worse; can I call the ambulance?

  If you are unwell and isolating at home and get to the stage you require emergency support, you can still access these services by calling 111.

  If it’s not an emergency, call Healthline (0800 611 116), your GP or Te Piki Oranga (0800 672 642) if you or one of your whānau has any of the following:

  • Unwell for 3-4 days and getting worse

  • Increasing shortness of breath

  • Chest pain or severe headache

  • Coughing with large amounts of coloured or phlegm/sputum/spit

  • Unable to drink/not passing urine/persistent vomiting

  • Increased confusion

  • Skin rash that does not disappear when pressed on

  • Babies taking less than half their usual feeds

• I can’t get an appointment with my GP. What should I do?

  If you cannot get an appointment with your GP and are no longer able to self-manage symptoms, please go to your nearest After-Hours medical facility. As expected in this stage of the flu outbreak and pandemic, there may be a long wait before you can be seen.

  For emergencies, present at your local hospital Emergency Department or call 111.

• I’ve had COVID-19, can I get it again?

  Āe, it can happen, and cases of re-infection have been rising throughout Aotearoa.

• I’ve had COVID-19 and feel unwell again. What should I do?

  If you get new COVID-19 symptoms and it is 29 days or more after your first infection, it’s possible that it’s a COVID-19 reinfection and you should do a RATS.

  If it’s 28 days since your infection, no need to test – stay home until you feel better, and your symptoms have cleared. If symptoms persist, seek medical assistance.

• My symptoms won’t go away! Is that normal?

  It is not uncommon for people recovering from Covid-19 to have symptoms that come and go for some time afterwards.

  If you have an underlying health condition or have symptoms that are getting worse, call Healthline on 0800 358 5453 or your GP or healthcare provider. You can also call Te Piki Oranga on 0800 672 642.

• Do I really need to register my RAT?

  Āe! If you don’t do that, those lined up to support you won’t know you’re there! In Te Tauihu, there is 7-day a week network available that encompasses, clinical, cultural and other essential support.

  Once you fill in MyCovidRecord you will get a text with a link to a form for support and needs. It seems hōhā, but whānau it’s the best way to get the help you need. Or you can all Te Piki Oranga on 0800 672 642 or Te Kotahi o Te Tauihu Trust on 0800 514 358.

• Will I be able to get the same support that I got the first time I got infected?

  Yes, if it is 29 days or more since your last COVID-19 infection you will be able to access the same support as for the first infection.

  Most people will be able to manage self-isolation with help from whānau and friends, but there is help available for you and your household if you need it. Record your result at MyCovidRecord to let us know you need support.

• I am struggling – I am so ill, my whānau live away and I have no help. Is there anyone I can call?

  Āe! Give Te Kotahi o te Tauihu Trust navigators a call on 0800 514 358 to have a kōrero.

• I’ve had too much time off work with sick kids, am behind on the bills and I’m stressed out.

  Whānau should give Te Kotahi o Te Tauihu Trust a call on 0800 514 358.

• What can Te Kotahi o Te Tauihu help with?

  Kia tūhono te whanau ki:

  • Emergency kai

  • Helping with bills

  • Counselling

  • Sorting health needs

  • Helping whānau become work ready

  • Transport to appointments

  • Being with whānau for important appointments

  • Providing whanaungatanga and manaakitanga for whanau who don’t have that

  • Navigating whānau to other services that will be helpful to them and their situation

  • P.A.T.H Planning (Dreaming – determining goals and stepping out how to get there)

  • Obtaining ID (Birth Cert, Passport, 18+ Card)

  • Driver Licence (Learner, Restricted, Full)

  • Advocacy with Government agencies and other organisations

  • Advocacy with medical professionals and doctors

  • Advocacy with lawyers and support in court

  • Support at Whānau Group conferences

  • Te Reo/Tikanga Mentoring

  • Assistance with Emergency Housing/Transitional Housing