Media Release
Lung Foundation Australia have today released a large-scale report into the lived experience of Australians through the pandemic, highlighting significant gaps in services, information and resources for people with ongoing COVID-19 symptoms.
The survey of 2,196 respondents, conducted by Lung Foundation Australia, alarmingly found that half of Australians surveyed experienced ongoing COVID-19 symptoms more than 4 weeks after their initial infection period.
With COVID-19 infections and mortality an ongoing major issue, Lung Foundation Australia has turned its attention to the future impact of Long COVID as a cause of disability.
With over 10 million Australians having reported a COVID-19 diagnosis as of September 2022, and the report indicating that 3 in 5 sought medical advice or treatment for ongoing symptoms, the potential strain on the country’s healthcare system may be significant for months to come.
Lung Foundation Australia CEO Mark Brooke says the results highlight a roadmap for the future of COVID-19 as we move into an endemic phase.
“We’ve found support for those with ongoing COVID symptoms is lacking, and Australians want greater support to address the unmet healthcare needs of this group of Australians.”
“We have an opportunity for Governments to be proactive and make significant improvements to healthcare and to advance the health system to deal with this new burden,” Mr Brooke said.
The survey also found significant impact on those with a pre-existing condition, with over half of those with a lung disease or other chronic condition still experiencing ongoing symptoms at the time of completing the survey. Over half also reported being extremely or very anxious about COVID-19 infections and long COVID.
Melbourne resident Cate Gleeson lives with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and is still waiting for tests to see whether COVID-19 has caused permanent damage to her lungs.
“Being in lockdown was an intense experience and mental health was a huge factor. When I saw those two lines on my test, I was absolutely terrified,” Ms Gleeson said
“Of course, coming out of lockdown as someone with a lung condition was also terrifying. When I hugged my best friend for the first time in 2 years I burst into tears.”
“I’ve found mental health services post-COVID to be invaluable for me, though I know many who don’t have that opportunity for financial reasons.
“I’m in a position where I consider myself lucky to have recovered from COVID-19 and I feel like I need to advocate for others in my position who weren’t as fortunate,” Ms Gleeson said.
The COVID-19: A roadmap to recovery report outlines 10 key recommendations for information, services and support for recovery and management of ongoing symptoms.
Respiratory expert and Lung Foundation Australia board member Professor Christine Jenkins says the recommendations are underpinned by the need to address inequities based on location, health literacy, culture, language, and socio-economic status.
“There are significant disparities and challenges across Australia that need to be addressed if we are to ensure equitable health care for all,” Prof Jenkins said.
” 75% of respondents representing the Australian community agree the Government should increase investment for those experiencing ongoing symptoms, and that is a telling sign of the current gap in support.”
The 10 key recommendations are:
- Adopt a national long COVID definition to enhance data collection and research
- Fund respiratory nurses to support people with ongoing symptoms
- Ensure access to quality information and tailored support to manage COVID symptoms and recovery
- Enhance physical activity and self-management through pulmonary rehabilitation
- Address the unique mental health needs of Australians living with a lung disease
- Transition long COVID clinics to multipurpose respiratory clinics
- Utilise and strengthen both telehealth and face-to-face healthcare
- Create a health-professional strategy and COVID-19 training
- Harness acceptance of vaccinations now and expand the National Immunisation Program
- Invest in the National Preventive Health Strategy
Lung Foundation Australia will submit the findings of the report to the Parliamentary Inquiry into Long Covid and Repeated COVID Infections later this month which will investigate the long-term impacts in Australia.
REPORT: https://lungfoundation.com.au/resources/covid-19-a-roadmap-for-recovery
For media enquiries please contact:
Amber Preiksa
0405 188 931
amberp@lungfoundation.com.au