Brisbane, Australia – Health experts in Brisbane, Australia are challenging the use of the term “long COVID,” suggesting that symptoms experienced by those recovering from COVID-19 are similar to those seen in other common viral illnesses such as the flu.
A government-backed study led by Dr. John Gerrard, Queensland’s Chief Health Officer, observed that the symptoms reported by individuals with “long COVID” were no different from those recovering from other viral infections. Researchers surveyed over 5,000 individuals aged 18 and older who had experienced symptoms, including fatigue, brain fog, cough, shortness of breath, and changes to taste and smell.
The study found that the fear-inducing phrase “long COVID” may cause unnecessary anxiety and hyper-vigilance among individuals experiencing longer-term symptoms. Dr. Gerrard emphasized the importance of comparing post-COVID-19 outcomes with those following other respiratory infections for further research on post-viral syndromes.
Results from the study, which are set to be presented at the 2024 European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases in Barcelona, indicate that the rates of ongoing symptoms and functional impairment in individuals recovering from COVID-19 are comparable to those seen in other post-viral illnesses.
Despite the high volumes of COVID-19 cases during the pandemic, the study noted that rates of diagnosed “long COVID” in Australia were lower compared to other countries due to strict government restrictions. The findings suggest that the extended recovery period some individuals experience after viral illnesses may have been magnified due to the large number of COVID-19 cases.
The study’s conclusion challenges the notion that “long COVID” represents a unique and severe illness, highlighting the need for further research into post-viral syndromes and providing a more nuanced understanding of recovery from COVID-19 and other respiratory infections.