The management of ongoing COVID-19 symptoms is a difficult path for many to navigate.
A survey by Lung Foundation Australia, COVID-19: A roadmap for recovery, found the novelty of the virus meant that there was a general lack of resources and information.
In the survey, only 58 per cent of respondents had sought medical advice or treatment for ongoing symptoms.
Of those who had, this advice was mainly being acquired from a general practitioner GP (65 per cent), allied health professional (15 per cent), psychologist or other mental health professional (8 per cent) and pharmacist (8 per cent).
“This means that 40 per cent of respondents experiencing ongoing symptoms are not seeking medical advice or treatment,” the survey report said.
“The true burden of people requiring support and care for ongoing symptoms, therefore, may be underestimated.”
The survey report said the emergence of COVID-19 had transformed the lives of all Australians, with the nation continuing to manage the biggest public health emergency of the 21st century, so far.
“The number of COVID-19 cases in the country has exceeded 10 million and there have been more than 15,000 COVID-related deaths.
“As we transition to the endemic phase of the disease, the nation has a unique and important opportunity to learn how COVID-19 has affected the Australian community.
“We can also deepen our knowledge of how the pandemic impacted all Australians and the unique experience of people living with lung disease including lung cancer, and gain a deeper understanding of the prevalence and impact of ongoing COVID-19 symptoms (often referred to as long COVID).
“National estimates of long COVID prevalence range from 10 to 30 per cent of those who have acquired COVID-19.
“This means that millions of Australians may be suffering from ongoing symptoms or may be at risk of developing such symptoms following a COVID-19 infection.”
“Ongoing COVID-19 symptoms can severely impact an individual’s life, reducing their ability to work and their quality of life. Research suggests ongoing symptoms may include fatigue and post-exertional malaise, respiratory and heart symptoms, neurological symptoms, and digestive symptoms.
“Our collective lack of understanding of COVID-19 impacts in Australia opens the way for critical gaps in our health services, leaving those experiencing ongoing COVID-19 symptoms unsupported and without tailored care.”
