A new study from the Australian National University (ANU), in collaboration with the Western Australia Department of Health, has found that more than half of Australians suffering from long COVID continue to experience symptoms six months after their initial infection. The findings, published in the journal Epidemiology and Infection, shed light on the lasting effects of COVID-19 and the challenges faced by those struggling to fully recover.
Persistent Symptoms and Healthcare Burden
According to the research led by Dr. Mulu Woldegiorgis, 56% of long COVID patients continued to report symptoms such as fatigue, coughing, and shortness of breath six months post-infection. The study followed 11,000 participants who had previously been surveyed three months after infection, where 18.2% had developed long COVID. Alarmingly, the average number of symptoms did not decline over time, indicating little improvement in most cases.
One-third of those affected sought medical care for ongoing issues, with most visiting their general practitioners. Dr. Woldegiorgis emphasized the importance of primary care in managing long COVID and called for sufficient healthcare resources, as well as investment in specialized long COVID clinics to meet growing needs.
Long COVID’s Impact on Work and Daily Life
The study also revealed the significant toll of long COVID on employment and productivity. Around 32% of patients were unable to return fully to work or study after six months, compared to 17.8% at the three-month mark. Many faced challenges such as mental health struggles, reduced stamina, and impaired cognitive function.
Dr. Woldegiorgis suggested that employers should adopt more supportive workplace policies to help retain affected workers. She also highlighted that individuals with pre-existing health issues and those with multiple symptoms early on were more likely to experience prolonged illness.
The ANU study underscores the persistent and debilitating nature of long COVID for many Australians. As the virus continues to affect individuals long after infection, researchers call for innovative healthcare models that emphasize patient-led self-care and primary care-based management. Ensuring adequate resources and workplace support will be key to helping long COVID patients recover and reintegrate into daily life.
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Source: Medical Press
