Long COVID is more than fatigue. Our new study suggests its impact is similar to a stroke or Parkinson’s
People with long COVID reported worse disability than 98% of the general Australian population. A total of 86% of those with long COVID met the threshold for serious disability compared with 9% of Australians overall.
On average, people had trouble with daily activities on about 27 days a month and were unable to function on about 18 days.
Tasks such as eating or dressing were less affected, but more complex areas – housework and socialising – were badly impacted. People could often meet basic needs, but their ability to contribute to their homes, workplaces and communities was limited.