CSIRO Pub: Impacts of Long COVID on Disability, Function and Quality of Life for Adults Living in Australia

#18,852

Just 5 days ago, in EHJ: Accelerated Vascular Ageing After COVID-19 Infection: The CARTESIAN Study, we looked at the latest in a long series of studies on the long-term impacts of COVID infection. 

That study found significant `vascular ageing' - particularly in women - following COVID infection, which seems to go along with other studies linking COVID infection to heart attacks, strokes, and other vascular events (see AHA: COVID-19 May Trigger New-Onset High Blood Pressure).

While most people are familiar with the more common signs of `Long COVID'  - like fatigue and `brain fog' -  continue to see evidence of more insidious health impacts that may not become fully apparent for years (e.g. Hypertension, Cardiac problems, Diabetes, Neurodegenerative diseases like `Parkinson's', etc.), or only after repeated infections.

While its true that most people recover from acute COVID infection without sustaining long-term damage - evidence suggests that the more times one tempts fate - the more likely they are to suffer post-COVID challenges. 

And that not only presents individual health challenges, but substantial societal impacts as well.

Today we've another study, this time from Australia, on the impact of Long COVID on disability and quality of life.  Along with it, we've a summary published in `The Conversation'  -  which compares Long COVID to a stroke or Parkinson's - written by three of its authors. 

Firs the abstact, followed by a link to the summary, after which I'll have a brief postscript.

Impacts of long COVID on disability, function and quality of life for adults living in Australia

Danielle Hitch A B C * , Tanita Botha C D , Fisaha Tesfay C E , Sara Holton F G , Catherine M. Said H I J , Martin Hensher K , Kieva Richards A , Mary Rose Angeles C L , Catherine M. Bennett C , Genevieve Pepin A , Bodil Rasmussen F G M N Kelli Nicola-Richmond O
 
* Correspondence to: dani.hitch@deakin.edu.au
Australian Journal of Primary Health 31, PY25033 https://doi.org/10.1071/PY25033
Submitted: 24 February 2025 Accepted: 30 July 2025 Published: 25 August 2025
© 2025 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing on behalf of La Trobe University.  

Abstract

Background
To describe the impact of long COVID on disability, function and quality of life among adults living in Australia.

Method

People aged >18 years with a history of COVID-19 infection confirmed by polymerase chain reaction or rapid antigen test were eligible for this cross-sectional survey. The World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 measured disability and function, and the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey assessed quality of life.

Results

Participants (n = 121) reported significant functional impairment and reduced quality of life compared with established population norms for these outcome measures. Most (n = 104, 86%) reported clinically significant disability and participation limitations in daily activities. Mean World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 scores indicated higher levels of disability than 98% of the general population. The 36-Item Short Form Health Survey scores indicated lower quality of life across all domains, but particularly in relation to vitality and social functioning. Regression analysis found significant associations between the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey scores, and vaccine dose number, comorbidities and self-rated recovery.

Conclusion

Long COVID is associated with significantly reduced function and quality of life, which are distinct outcomes requiring targeted assessment and intervention. The overall impact may be exacerbated in people with pre-existing comorbidities who are more susceptible to long COVID in the first place.

The findings underscore the need for targeted rehabilitation and support services for people living in Australia with long COVID, and further longitudinal research to explore the long-term impact on disability and quality of life, and inform policy and healthcare service delivery.

       (Continue . . . )

Long COVID is more than fatigue. Our new study suggests its impact is similar to a stroke or Parkinson’s
Published: August 24, 2025 4:10pm EDT

 

Obviously Long COVID represents a wide range of symptoms, and its impact can range from mild to severe (or even fatal). Some people get better over time, while others do not.  

Based on limited data, the WHO estimates that 1 in 6 people who contract COVID will develop some degree of `Long COVID'. Globally, that suggests > 400 million people, and  > 20 million in the United States.

Despite this expanding butcher's bill, we now trivialize COVID infection (and reinfection) to the point that most people eschew the COVID vaccine and many insist on going to work or school when symptomatic (see Effect of COVID-19 Infection on Presenteeism).

A strategy that may provide short-term benefits, but risks long-term harm.