With it recently being the fourth anniversary of the first lockdown, the pandemic is now something that many people have consigned to the past.
But for those suffering from Long COVID, it is still very much in the present, something International Long COVID Awareness Day on Friday March 15, is aimed at reminding people of.
Generally regarded as when COVID symptoms remain for 12 weeks or more and cannot be explained by another diagnoses, Long COVID is estimated to effect anywhere from two to 20 per cent of Australians who contract the COVID-19 virus.
Among them is Werribee woman Kathryn Tripodi, who first contacted COVID-19 on Christmas Eve 2022.
“Since then I have been bed/house bound suffering from chronic fatigue, brain fog, muscle weakness, POTS syndrome, heart palpitations, sensory issues, anxiety, depression, shocking headaches, breathing difficulties and other symptoms that come and go,” said the 35 year old.
Ms Tripodi hasn’t been able to work since she became sick and nor has she been able to access any sort of welfare or disability support.
She said the impact of Long COVID went beyond just the physical and financial.
“I feel isolated and alone. I even struggle to watch TV, read a book or do just the simplest of tasks such as putting on a load of washing, cooking a meal or just general household jobs.”
After joining a Long COVID Facebook group, Ms Tripodi was put in touch with a clinic that specialises in treating the and credits them with helping her improve.
However, Ms Tripodi points out that currently there is no known cure for Long COVID, something she hopes Friday’s day of awareness will help change.
For more information: www.longcovidawareness.life/
