Health experts in Australia are urging for a change in terminology surrounding the condition known as “Long COVID,” as new research suggests that the symptoms reported by individuals with this condition are similar to those of other viral illnesses such as the flu.
A study conducted by a government-backed agency in Australia surveyed over 5,000 individuals who reported symptoms consistent with “Long COVID,” including fatigue, brain fog, cough, and shortness of breath. Researchers found that 16% of participants were still experiencing symptoms a year later, with 3.6% reporting moderate-to-severe functional impairment in their daily lives.
Surprisingly, there was no significant difference in impairment rates between those who had tested positive for COVID-19 and those who had tested negative or had the flu. The study also noted that Australia has lower rates of diagnosed “Long COVID” compared to other countries, which could be attributed to the strict pandemic restrictions imposed by the government.
These findings will be presented at the 2024 European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. Dr. John Gerrard, Queensland’s Chief Health Officer, emphasized the importance of comparing post-COVID-19 outcomes with other respiratory infections and conducting further research into post-viral syndromes.
While the term “Long COVID” became widely used during the pandemic due to the surge in cases, the study concludes that the condition is not unique or exceptional. This new research sheds light on the nature of post-viral syndromes and highlights the need for a comprehensive understanding of symptoms experienced by individuals recovering from viral illnesses.
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