Lung Foundation Australia has welcomed the release of the Federal Government’s parliamentary inquiry into Long COVID and repeated COVID infections and the accompanying research funding, but reiterate there is a lot more to be done to support the millions of Australians who are currently experiencing ongoing symptoms, including respiratory symptoms.
Coordinated action and investment by all governments is needed to tackle this debilitating and costly condition.
Lung Foundation Australia supports the nine recommendations made by the committee, in particular, research investment, establishing a single COVID-19 database administered by the upcoming Centre for Disease Control, developing guidelines for long COVID diagnosis and treatment, and improving the current vaccination communication strategy.
We also welcome the recommendation to review the benefits of antiviral treatments, and will continue to advocate for the more vulnerable members of our community, including those with a lung disease, to be able to gain access to these.
New proposed care pathways for long COVID patients are appropriate and we welcome the introduction of enhanced support and education to be provided to GPs and other primary healthcare providers.
Continuing funding for multidisciplinary long COVID clinics will ensure that those who need coordinated multidisciplinary care will be able to receive it. In adopting the World Health Organization’s definition of Long COVID we recommend that patients who have symptoms of Long COVID should not delay accessing support based on this artificial three-month diagnosis timeline.
Today’s simultaneous announcement of $50 million for Long COVID research will be vital going forward and we look forward to contributing to the Department of Health and Aged Care’s development of a national plan to respond to Long COVID.
Lung Foundation Australia has convened a consumer and clinical advisory group and provides a national peer support service, as well as dedicated lung cancer social work program; but more is needed to meet demand and ensure that Australians living with lung disease, lung cancer, or now Long COVID, have the support they need.
The commitment to research investment is welcomed, and as the peak lung health organisation Lung Foundation Australia look forward to sharing our insight and community feedback in the development of the national plan, and note those living with lung disease and other chronic conditions experience additional challenges that need to be recognised and addressed.
In 2022, Lung Foundation Australia conducted a community survey of over 2,000 respondents, and found breathing problems and cough, along with fatigue, were among the most commonly reported ongoing symptoms four weeks post initial COVID-19 infection.
To read Lung Foundation Australia’s Long COVID report which includes 10 recommendations provided to the federal inquiry visit:
For media enquiries please contact:
Media and Communications Specialist
Anna Jeffries, 0408 191 192
annaj@lungfoundation.com.au