Diseases and Sexual Health
COVID-19
To help stop the spread of COVID-19, remember to:
- practise physical distancing (keep at least 1.5 meters or two arms length from each other)
- practise good personal hygiene (wash hands often with soap and water, or hand sanitiser and cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or use your elbow)
- stay home if unwell and if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms get tested for COVID-19
- download the COVIDSafe app (external site).
For more information visit the following Department of Health website:
https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Coronavirus
Ross River Virus
Mozzies like to live in the South West and carry the virus. Stay protected by covering up with long loose fitting clothing and use mozzie repellent when outdoors. Mozzies are most active around dawn and dusk.
For more information read this factsheet
http://healthywa.gov.au/Ross-river-virus
Meningococcal Disease
Meningococcal is a rare but deadly disease that can strike anyone of any age. It is recommended you are vaccinated with the free A, C, W and Y strains of the disease at your GP or community health clinic. Be aware of the signs and symptoms as prompt medical attention will help your chances of beating the infection.
For more information read these factsheets
http://healthywa.wa.gov.au/Meningococcal-disease
http://healthywa.wa.gov.au/Meningococcal-vaccine
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s)
If you have changed your partner in the last 12 months, had a condom failure, got symptoms or don’t use condoms, you need to get tested for STI’s. Most people are unaware they’ve got an STI.
Condoms are your best protection against STI’s.
For free on line testing go to https://www.healthysexual.com.au/School-leavers
Emergency Contraception ‘The morning after pill’
Emergency contraception is used to prevent pregnancy if you have sex with no contraception. it is available from pharmacies without a prescription. The emergency contraceptive pill is not recommended for outgoing contraception. Using emergency contraception is not an abortion.
For information on emergency contraception go to https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/morning-after-pill
Who can I contact?
Sexual Assault Resource Centre
Phone: 9340 1828
Free call (from country areas): 1800 199 888
For telephone support for physical, emotional and social needs of sexual assault and abuse.
Red Frog Hotline
Phone: 1300 557 123
For assistance, fun activities and support during Leavers
HOPE Community Services
Dunsborough: 0418 559 191
Rottnest: 0402 796 346
For information and referral to our recovery tent (sobering-up shelter) Dunsborough and Rottnest only.
WAAC
AIDSline: 9482 0044
A confidential and anonymous telephone line that you can call for information about HIV, STIs and other sexual health issues. Operates Monday to Friday, 9am till 5pm.
Youth Legal Service
Phone: 9202 1688
Country callers: 1800 199 006
For free and confidential legal services to young people in Western Australia, 9am–5pm Mon-Fri
WA Police assistance
Phone (24 hours): 131 444
Visit: WA Police
For police attendance, not for emergencies.
Crisis Care
Phone: 9223 1111
Free call (from country area): 1800 199 008
For arranging help including temporary accommodation, protection for children, financial aid, counselling and support services, 24 hours a day.
Kids Helpline
Phone: 1800 55 1800
Kids Help Line is Australia’s only free, confidential and anonymous, 24-hour telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 18.
Alcohol and Drug Support Line
Phone: 9442 5000
Free call (from country areas): 1800 198 024
For information and confidential counselling, support and referral 24 hours a day
Parent and Family Drug Support Line
Phone: 9442 5050
Free call (from country areas): 1800 653 203
For information and confidential counselling, support and referral 24 hours a day
Crime Stoppers WA
Phone (24 hours): 1800 333 000
Visit: Crime Stoppers WA
For reporting information about a crime.
Directory assistance
With connection option: 12455
Whitepages directory assistance: 1800 810 211
RAC Roadside Assistance
13 11 11