Thrombosis AustraliaThrombosis Australia is a central information and resource hub for the community proudly brought to you by the Perth Blood Institute Our Thrombosis Australia Advisory Panel consists of eminent Australian healthcare professionals. Thrombosis Australia Advisory Panel If you are a healthcare professional you can access the Thrombosis Australia Professionals site here: Thrombosis Australia Professionals About us About Thrombosis Tools & Resources Your stories News and information What's on Get involved For professionals COVID-19 and Thrombosis FAQ Resources for COVID-19 As the COVID-19 outbreak is occurring, we are learning more about possible connections with other conditions, including blood disorders. Information provided is subject to change as we learn more.If you have any questions or concerns, it is important to discuss your personal condition with your healthcare provider. FAQ: Does having a blood clot increase your chances of acquiring COVID-19? No. There is no link between having a blood clot (venous thromboembolism or VTE) and an increased risk of acquiring COVID-19. Does having COVID-19 increase your risk of developing a blood clot or VTE? Yes - if you are hospitalised for COVID-19 may increase your risk of a blood clot or VTE because of the fact that you may remain immobilised for an extended period of time. Being admitted to ICU has a higher risk of developing VTE for the same reason. Viral infections also increase your risk of a blood clot by increasing inflammation and activating clotting mechanisms in your body. If you are hospitalised, discuss this risk with your doctor as they may recommend compression stockings or medication to reduce the risk of thrombosis. If I have COVID-19 and high d-dimer levels does this mean I have a blood clot? Not necessarily. D-dimer is normally elevated in response to other complications such as viral infection, and so just having a high d-dimer does not necessarily mean that you have developed a thrombosis. I'm working from home or self-isolating - do I need to be worried about developing a blood clot? Extended periods of bed rest or sitting can increase your risk of developing a blood clot. For this reason it is important to get up at least every 1-2 hours and move around. While seated, try to perform the leg exercises below once an hour. Staying active, drinking plenty of water, and maintaining a healthy diet are also important factors in reducing your risk of thrombosis! Learn more about thrombosis. Resources for COVID-19: COVID-19 symptom checker – https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/coronavirus COVID-19 service finder – https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/symptom-checker/tool HealthDirect COVID-19 information - https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/australian-health-services