Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 January 2022
1843. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health the research that is being done into the prevalence of long Covid in Ireland; the number of cases of long Covid that are estimated to be here; the supports he envisages putting in place within the health service to support such patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2059/22]
View answerCOVID-19 is a new disease so information on it, its features, incidence and its course are still emerging. The natural history, clinical course and consequences of COVID19 are still not completely understood. It is recognised that most patients with COVID-19 return to baseline after acute infection with SARS-CoV-2, but a proportion report ongoing health issues.
The number of people that are affected with longer term sequelae after acute COVID-19 remains unknown, but published reports indicate that approximately 10– 20% of COVID-19 patients experience lingering symptoms for weeks to months following acute SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Several organisations and societies have proposed different definitions based upon the constellation of symptoms that affect people after acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. To aid recognition and management of those affected, the WHO has recently through a global consensus process proposed a working clinical case definition of Post COVID-19 syndrome occurring 3 months from the onset of COVID-19, with symptoms that last for at least 2 months and cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis. Common symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, cognitive dysfunction and others which generally have an impact on everyday functioning. Symptoms may be new onset, following initial recovery from an acute COVID19 episode, or persist from the initial illness. Symptoms may also fluctuate or relapse over time. However, the WHO notes that this definition may change as new evidence emerges and our understanding of the consequences of COVID-19 continues to evolve.
Patients with persistent symptoms following COVID-19 infection may be followed up by their GP or in hospital settings as clinically appropriate. People in the community who are concerned about persistent symptoms following Covid-19 should contact their GP in the first instance. Treatment is currently focused on management of specific symptoms.
Specific guidance on the treatment of 'Long COVID' is presently under development both here and internationally. The HSE is currently assessing need and the best way to care for those impacted by Long COVID to ensure the appropriate supports are in place. As part of this work on post-COVID care, the HSE is examining how it can model the possible numbers that will be affected, noting that this will take time as more evidence emerges. I understand that the HSE has also been in touch with a group of people who are suffering post-COVID symptoms to inform understanding. You may wish to note, that a Programme Manager/Implementation Lead and Clinical Leads have been identified within the HSE who will be key stakeholders in driving this programme of work.
I understand from the Health Service Executive that Long COVID clinics will be located at the following sites: Cork University Hospital, Saint James' Hospital, University Hospital Limerick, Galway University Hospital, Beaumont Hospital and Saint Vincent's University Hospital. Post acute clinics will be located at the following sites: Cork University Hospital, Saint James' Hospital, University Hospital Limerick, Galway University Hospital, Connolly Hospital Blanchardstown, Letterkenny University Hospital and the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital. The HSE have advised that long COVID clinics will manage patients twelve weeks post onset of infection and post acute clinics will manage patients between four and twelve weeks after initial onset of infection
The Department of Health will continue to develop an understanding of the implications of Long Covid to inform policy as appropriate.
