Impact of Long COVID on the Australian Economy and Potential Solutions

The economic impact of long COVID in Australia has been revealed in a new study, showing that the country lost about $9.6 billion in economic productivity in 2022. This loss represented a significant portion of Australia’s real gross domestic product growth for that year.

The study, published in the Medical Journal of Australia, focused on the number of hours Australians were unable to work or had to reduce their working hours due to ongoing COVID-19 symptoms. Researchers found that during September 2022, approximately 1.3 million Australians were living with long COVID, including about 55,000 children aged four and under.

The research utilized wastewater surveillance data from over 5,000 working adults to develop a mathematical model to estimate the number of ongoing COVID-19 symptoms. It found that workers aged 30 to 49 accounted for more than 50% of the total labor lost, with an estimated 100 million hours lost in total.

Experts are now calling on state and federal governments, as well as policymakers, to prioritize long COVID and implement strategies to address its impact on the economy and public health. They emphasize the need for better frameworks, policies, and support for individuals living with long COVID.

Looking ahead, researchers estimate that between 173,000 to 873,000 Australians could still be living with long COVID by the end of this year. To mitigate the long-term effects of the virus, experts recommend increased vaccination rates, wider access to antivirals, and measures such as improved indoor air quality and mask-wearing in certain settings.

Overall, the study underscores the importance of addressing the economic and public health implications of long COVID and implementing effective strategies to support those affected by the condition.