Some locals exhibit symptoms of ‘long COVID’

The punishing side effects of COVID-19 are continuing to debilitate several of Geelong’s patients months after their recovery from the illness in an emerging trend sending shockwaves around the world.

Geelong may be free of active COVID-19 cases, but some locals who were infected last year have continued to suffer.

Doctors say some residents have shown symptoms of ‘long COVID’, which can see patients experience side effects long after they are no longer considered an active case.

Local GP and Western Victoria Primary Health Network clinical spokeswoman Anne Stephenson said as the global COVID-19 pandemic has progressed, a growing number of infected people are experiencing prolonged symptoms and complications beyond the initial period of acute infection and illness.

Dr Stephenson said symptoms include chronic cough, shortness of breath, chest

heaviness/tightness, cognitive dysfunction and extreme fatigue.

“These symptoms can last for six weeks up and to 12 months,” she said.

“This syndrome is called ‘long COVID’ or ‘post-COVID-19’ syndrome, and its implications and consequences are a growing global health concern.

“GPs in our region have seen people with symptoms of long COVID-19 syndrome, and it can

be incredibly debilitating.”

Dr Stephenson said this underscored how important it was to not become complacent

about COVID-19.

“Despite the recent low numbers of cases in Australia, the virus is still lurking in the community and we are only just beginning to understand its potential long-term

effects,” she said.

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“People should still practice COVID-safe behaviour such as social distancing, wearing a mask

in the supermarket or shopping centre and using hand sanitiser when entering new

premises.

“If you have any cold-like symptoms it is in everyone’s best interests that you get

tested.”

Barwon Health Public Health Unit director Eugene Athan said there were very few patients in our region still experiencing side effects from COVID-19, with about 10 per cent of cases reporting long-term symptoms, such as fatigue and the loss of smell and taste.

“Barwon Health has been conducting research that explores these occurrences,

investigating the recovery of about 80 patients, and we expect preliminary results will be

ready in June this year,” Prof Athan said.

Originally published as Some locals exhibit symptoms of ‘long COVID’