February 21, 2022
Long term Covid effect studied
A researcher on a nationwide study to assess the impacts of Covid-19 says it’s keen to hear about its long term effects.
Victoria University’s Ngā Kawekawe o Mate Korona study is contacting nearly 9000 people to invite them to complete an online survey about their experience with Covid-19 and the treatment they received,
There will also be interviews with selected survivors.
Witi Ashby says his own experience with the H1N1 bird flu more than a decade ago has given him an insight into how such pandemics can change lives.
He says people who have had Covid find it hard to answer when they’re asked if they are recovering.
“It’s not about recovering. It’s actually having to learn to live with that particular disease, and it’s what it is. It’s learning how to function, and that’s the stories we want to get hold of,” Mr Ashby says.
The study will be used to provide recommendations to the Ministry of Health on how to better support people with Covid-19.