In a shocking claim, health experts in Australia are urging the public to ditch the term “long COVID” due to its fear-inducing connotations. A recent study conducted by government-backed researchers found that the symptoms associated with “long COVID” are actually no different from those experienced by individuals recovering from other viral illnesses.
The study, which surveyed over 5,000 symptom sufferers, revealed that fatigue, brain fog, cough, shortness of breath, and other common symptoms reported by those with “long COVID” were similar to those seen in individuals recovering from the flu. The researchers also found that there was no evidence to suggest that individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 experienced a higher level of impairment than those who tested negative.
The Australian health agency behind the study is now advocating for the elimination of the term “long COVID” in order to reduce unnecessary fear and hyper-vigilance surrounding these symptoms. Dr. John Gerrard, Queensland's chief health officer, emphasized that labeling these symptoms as unique to COVID-19 only serves to impede recovery and create unnecessary anxiety.
The findings of this study are set to be presented at the upcoming European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, highlighting the importance of understanding post-viral syndromes in the context of COVID-19. As the world continues to navigate the aftermath of the pandemic, it is crucial to rely on scientific evidence and research to guide our understanding of long-term COVID-19 symptoms.