Life after the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Survey by Lung Foundation Australia

This report presents findings from Lung Foundation Australia’s 2025 national survey exploring the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 and long COVID on Australians. With over 1,500 responses from community members, people with a lung disease, and health professionals, the survey highlights the persistent health, social, and economic challenges faced in the post-pandemic period.

Key findings reveal that COVID-19 continues to significantly affect workforce participation, especially among those with long COVID—62% reported moderate to severe impacts on their ability to work. Among respondents with lung disease, 24% experienced major or severe impacts to their lung condition as a result of their COVID-19 infection. Concern about future COVID-19 infections remains high, particularly among vulnerable groups. Health professionals also reported challenges managing COVID-19 and long COVID, including difficulties staying up-to-date with the latest advice, navigating unavailable or unclear advice, and accessing appropriate multidisciplinary or specialist care for people with long COVID.

Respondents urged action to improve access to treatment, expand research efforts, raise public awareness, increase long COVID health services, improve information and resources, and provide further support to health professionals.

To address these issues, Lung Foundation Australia makes the following recommendations:

1. Strengthen COVID-19 vaccination coverage and invest in community-driven communication strategies.
2. Improve equity of access to COVID-19 treatments and strengthen consumer engagement in medicine review processes.
3. Provide the public with more resources and information about COVID-19 and long COVID, focussing on those who are vulnerable.
4. Invest in training and information solutions for health professionals.
5. Strengthen current state health responses to long COVID by increasing access to specialised health services.
6. Consider further actions to reduce COVID-19 transmission.

The report underscores the need for sustained and coordinated government action to manage the persistent issues related to COVID-19.