Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 May 2022
658. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if he will provide all reports that he has received in the past six months on the issue of long-Covid and its impact upon persons with the condition. [26307/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraCOVID-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. Patients with persistent symptoms following COVID-19 infection may be followed up by their GP or in hospital settings as clinically appropriate. Those who are concerned about Long COVID, should engage with their GP in the first instance for advice and referral, if needed. The HSE has established a model of care for Long COVID and is currently rolling out services including Long COVID and post-acute COVID clinics nationally.
The number of people that are affected with longer term sequelae after acute COVID-19 remains unknown, but multiple national and internationally published research studies are underway to learn more about the illness. Some publicly available research publications indicate that approximately 10– 20% of COVID-19 patients experience lingering symptoms for weeks to months following acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. Both papers and regular verbal updates on all aspects of COVID, including Long COVID, were presented to the NPHET for consideration. Published reports and papers that were considered by NPHET can be found in the COVID-19 resources section of the HSE Health Library which can be viewed at hselibrary.ie/covid-resources/#gsc.tab=0 with some further documents also due to be published. On an ongoing basis, my Department, and the HSE, continue to review new evidence, research and data on all aspects of COVID19 including Long COVID, as it emerges, internationally and nationally, to ensure care is in place for all who need it.
