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Inside Australia’s first long Covid clinic
EXCLUSIVE
Data scientist Anna de Sterke is one of the estimated 1.4 million Australians suffering from a condition called long Covid. 
The 27-year-old has battled debilitating chronic fatigue, heart palpitations and a brain injury since catching a mild case of Covid-19 in December last year.
For many, long Covid lasts months, even years. Professor Steven Faux runs one of the first long Covid clinics in the country, which is helping to treat these patients.
Patients receive help rebuilding their strength with exercises that help them move from sitting to standing, and they practice walking using guided rails.
Doctors are still learning how to diagnose and treat the condition, and Professor Faux says it is like trying to build an aircraft while you are flying it.
Professor Steven Faux
The clinic at Sydney's St Vincent’s Hospital has 100 people on its waiting list but a shortage of doctors means just eight to 10 get treated each week. Thousands of patients are on lists for similar clinics nationwide.
Between 10 and 20 per cent of Australians with Covid will get the condition. Unlike the United States, they are not eligible for the disability pension. 
Lauren Laing, 35, who has long Covid, says her life is "worlds apart" due to the terrible lingering side effects of catching the virus late last year.
Lauren Laing
I hope that there is a change in the support system medically, financially and emotionally and for this condition to be recognised. I hope that people who are experiencing it realise they are not alone, that they’re not going crazy.
Lauren Laing,Long covid patient
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Story: Sue DunlevyProducer: Bianca Farmakis

Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/web-stories/free/daily-telegraph/inside-australias-first-long-covid-hospital