20 Apr 2024

The burden of long covid

From Saturday Morning, 8:12 am on 20 April 2024
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Photo: Vinay Ranchhod

Evidence indicates long covid presents a considerable burden to New Zealand.

Between 4 and 14 percent of people infected with covid will develop ongoing symptoms, anything from mild to severe.

Scientists who conducted a recent evidence summary of long covid in Aotearoa are convinced its prevalence is likely to increase and preventative action is needed.

Covid can change your DNA and your immune system and there is no cure for long covid.

Susie is joined by Jenene Crossan, founder of Long Covid Support Aotearoa and co-founder of the University of Auckland Long Covid Registry.  Also Mona Jeffreys, epidemiologist and Associate Professor at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington, who advises on the Long Covid Registry.