A REDLANDS respiratory clinic is booking out daily with people being tested for COVID-19 and the local health service is urging people to keep up the testing as flu season continues.
A Metro South Health spokesperson said many people were used to self-managing flu symptoms during a cold snap, but doctors this year were urging Queenslanders to get tested for COVID-19 as the virus shared similarities with the common cold.
Director of Metro South Health's Public Health Unit Kari Jarvinen said anyone with cold or flu symptoms, no matter how mild, should call and make an appointment with their doctor or visit the nearest fever or respiratory clinic.
"The common symptoms of COVID-19 include a fever ... higher than 37.5 degrees, a cough, sore throat, runny nose, fatigue and shortness of breath, loss of smell or taste, aches and pains," Dr Jarvinen said.
"These can be easily brushed aside as just common symptoms of cold and flu, but it is best to be on the safe side during this pandemic.
"If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, or if you think you have COVID-19 or have been around someone with COVID-19, please get a COVID-19 test."
The Alexandra Hills respiratory clinic, which started operating in April, has been booking out with people presenting with symptoms.
The clinic has seen no confirmed COVID-19 cases.
Doctors had reportedly been able to identify other respiratory conditions such as rhinovirus, which is the most common cause of common cold.
Dr Jarvinen said as restrictions continued to ease in Queensland, it was important for people to take extra steps to protect themselves, their families and those most at risk.
"Most Queenslanders are doing a good job adopting social distancing and hand hygiene precautions and remaining within our borders and it shows - our low levels of COVID-19 in our community help ensure we are keeping everyone as safe as possible," Dr Jarvinen said.
"We don't wish to see any spikes in our case numbers like we have seen recently in other states.
"Please continue to follow social distancing advice and if you feel sick with any cold or flu symptoms at all, however small, get tested."
To find out where you can get tested, visit health.qld.gov.au.
The Alexandra Hills respiratory clinic on Vienna Road will operate until August 5.