A Tool for Early Intervention
Long COVID, a condition characterized by lingering symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, and shortness of breath, affects a significant portion of the population. While research on diagnosis and treatment is ongoing, a new online calculator can help individuals estimate their risk of developing long COVID.
Developed by researchers from multiple Australian universities, the calculator takes into account factors such as age, sex, medications, infection history, and vaccination status to assess the likelihood of experiencing post-acute sequelae of COVID-19.
Associate Professor Kirsty Short, a researcher involved in the project, emphasizes the importance of early intervention for long COVID. She highlights the prevalence of the condition, affecting approximately 10% of individuals who have had COVID-19.
The calculator serves as a valuable tool for identifying individuals at higher risk, allowing for early intervention and potentially reducing the severity and duration of long COVID symptoms.
Professor Short emphasizes the increased risk of long COVID with each subsequent COVID-19 infection, highlighting the importance of vaccination and antiviral treatments in mitigating this risk.
While the calculator provides an estimate of individual risk, it is crucial to consult with healthcare professionals for accurate diagnosis and management of long COVID symptoms.