Róisín Shortall
Ceist:473. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the proposals for responding to the growing number of patients suffering with long-Covid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27094/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 29 June 2021
Ceisteanna (473)
Freagraí scríofa
Covid-19 is a new disease so information on it, its features and its course are still emerging. We do however know that the clinical course of viral illnesses varies between people, and that the virus that causes Covid-19 can be detected in some people for many weeks. However, this does not mean that people are infectious for a prolonged period of time.
Fatigue is a common symptom after many viral infections and while most people recover in a short few days or weeks it can be prolonged and more severe for others. The reason for this is unclear. We would usually expect people to make a full recovery over time. Covid-19 is a multisystem infection and may impact people in differing ways.
Specific guidance on what has been referred to as the “long-tail” is presently under development both here and internationally. Longer-term observational studies will be required to understand the health consequences presently being attributed to post Covid-19 infection.
I can advise the Deputy that the HSE as part of its work on post-Covid, is now looking at how it can model the possible numbers that will be affected, noting that this will take time as more evidence emerges. There is a lot of uncertainty in the international literature about how many people experience prolonged symptoms so it is extremely difficult to determine the scale as yet in Ireland, however the HSE are monitoring the situation very closely and looking at how we can best estimate the scale, this will take some time and will need continual review.
I understand that the HSE has been in touch with and will be engaging with a group of people who are suffering post-Covid symptoms. Guidance is being developed to align needs with care provision and to develop criteria and strategies for the ongoing evaluation of patients.
People who have had Covid-19 are being followed up by their GP or in hospital settings. People in the community who are concerned about persistent Covid-19 symptoms should contact their GP. People who were admitted to hospital with Covid -19 are usually seen by the clinical team who admitted them so care is provided across a variety of clinics and settings. Treatment is currently focused on management of specific symptoms.