Below is information regarding research carried out on Long COVID for those who are interested. Cases this week.

Could NZ limit long Covid? – Expert Reaction

I know there is interest in long COVID. The Ministry of Education has  summarise the article from New Zealand’s Science Media Centre Could NZ limit long Covid? – Expert Reaction

Based on research to date Long COVID is thought to affect 10 to 20 per cent of people.

The WHO definition of Long COVID is symptoms after 3 months.

Fatigue is a common symptom of many viral illnesses and a feature of both acute COVID-19 infection and long COVID.

If you have fatigue, muscle weakness, etc, do not ‘push through’. Do not think that you can exercise your way out of this. Commencing exercise too early may increase the risk of long COVID.

If you do have symptoms of Long COVID (ongoing, or newly developing symptoms), please seek help.

Caution must be taken to be mindful of new or ongoing symptoms that can fluctuate and affect people in different ways at different times.

The main advice for recovering from Long COVID appears to be:

• Don’t overdo it – if you feel you need rest, rest.
• Begin with a very low level of activity, and very slowly increase – interspersed with regular planned breaks throughout the day.
• Begin with some fun things, and things that won’t matter if you stop for a break.
• Maintain a healthy diet.
• Ask for help from friends and family.
• The current consensus is that exercise should not be undertaken until the individual has been completely symptom-free for at least seven days.
• When exercise is restarted it is advisable to ease back into it slowly.
• Adequate sleep, good nutrition, hydration, and social connection are also vital to help you recover well.

It is likely that with further research in NZ and overseas that measures to reduce the impact of Long COVID will become available.

Cases this Week

Our trend is definitely downwards

Monday - 4 positive 17 active

Tuesday - 2 positive 13 active

Wednesday - 4 positive 15 active

Thursday - 1 positive 13 active