With your fingers lightly on your wrist, you can count the number of beats that you feel over 30 seconds. 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. Some smartphones and smartwatches have a heart rate monitor function, however these are not accurate and should not be used. This is the number shown next to the PR (pulse rate) or BPM (beats per minute) symbol. Your pulse oximeter (if you have one) can check your heart rate. Resting heart rate will be different from person to person. Your resting heart rate, or pulse, is the number of times your heart beats per minute when you are at rest – such as when you are relaxed, sitting or lying down. Make a note to discuss with your GP if feelings of breathlessness are getting better, worse or remain the same.

have a persistent, new or changed cough.

If you can’t check your own respiratory rate, think about if you are: Your GP or nurse can also count your respiratory rate if you are doing a video check-up by watching your chest rise and fall. Your individual circumstances, such as age and other health conditions must be considered, which means these numbers may need to be adapted. You should seek emergency treatment and call triple zero (000) for an ambulance and tell the ambulance staff that you have COVID-19. If you count more than 30 breaths per minute, you have severe respiratory symptoms. You should contact your doctor for a review as soon as possible. If you count a total of between 20 -30 breaths per minute, you may have moderate respiratory symptoms.

This is different for everyone and will depend on your age and other health conditions. Write this number down.Ī normal resting breathing rate for an adult should be between 10 – 20 breaths per minute. Double this number and this will be your respiratory rate per minute. Set a timer for 30 seconds, then count the number of times you breathe in and out before the time is up. You can monitor yourself for changes to your normal breathing patterns. How do I check my respiratory rate (breathing)?

You should also contact your GP or health service if you’re pregnant, have any chronic conditions or have any concerns about your health.ĬHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS - Use the COVID-19 Symptom and Antiviral Eligibility Checker to find out if you need medical help. If you develop severe symptoms, you should call triple zero (000) for an ambulance and tell the ambulance staff that you have COVID-19. If your symptoms change and start to get worse, call your GP for advice. It includes a COVID-19 action plan and a diary that you can use to track your symptoms. The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has developed a guide for people managing COVID at home. They may ask you to keep a record of your temperature, oxygen levels and heart rate. Symptoms can change and get worse, so it’s important to understand what to look for.Ī general practitioner (GP) can work with you to monitor your symptoms while you are sick. Most people can manage COVID-19 at home and may have either no symptoms or mild to moderate symptoms. More about COVID-19 Why is it important that I monitor my symptoms? Related information on Australian websites.How do I check my respiratory rate (breathing)?.Why is it important that I monitor my symptoms?.Tell the call handler and the paramedics on arrival if you have COVID-19. If you develop symptoms such as severe shortness of breath or chest pain, call triple zero (000) immediately.

Pulse oximeter reading