Fifty-six per cent of Australians suffering from long covid still had persistent symptoms six months after their initial infection, according to new study. 

In most cases, these symptoms included fatigue, shortness of breath and coughing.

The ANU report focuses on the findings of a 2024 study by Dr Mulu Woldegiorgis, who surveyed 11,000 people three months after their initial infection.

Her results found almost one in five (18.2 per cent) had developed long covid.

After another three months, the average number of symptoms remained stable, indicating little improvement for the same group of people.

A third of those with long covid reported seeking medical care for their symptoms in their fifth month.

“Most went to their GP, highlighting the critical role of primary care in managing long covid, and the need to ensure adequate, ongoing resource allocation,” says Dr Woldegiorgis.

“There is emerging evidence to suggest that investment in speciality long-covid clinics may be warranted.”

Almost a third (32 per cent) of participants with persistent long covid were not able to return to work or study at the six month month mark, which was higher than the 17.8 per cent who reported the same after three months.

“Workers with long covid face a number of challenges in returning to work, including impaired cognitive function, decreased physical endurance and mental health issues,” says Dr Woldegiorgis.

“For individuals experiencing long covid, one of the goals for treatment should be to increase the proportion of patients who are on a trajectory of rapidly decreasing symptoms.”

Dr Woldegiorgis says it is time to look at implementing patient-led self-care models and care in GP practices to address the persistent issue.