Eid Al-Adha Greeting
To all community members in Melbourne celebrating Eid al Adha, including Members of the Sudanese community who have arrived recently in Victoria from Sudan due to the war.
We hope this message finds you well. As we approach the joyous occasion of Eid al-Adha, we would like to remind you of the importance of staying safe and protected during this time, particularly in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. We encourage you to take necessary precautions and make informed choices to safeguard your health and the well-being of your loved ones.
Quick Reminder:
One aspect that requires our attention is the risk of Long COVID.
Long COVID is a condition that affects some individuals after they have contracted COVID-19. While most people recover from COVID-19 within a few days or weeks, some individuals may experience symptoms for up to 12 months or longer. These symptoms can be ongoing, such as a persistent cough, or they may emerge weeks or months after the initial infection.
It is important to note that there is no single test to confirm the presence of long COVID. If you experience symptoms associated with long COVID, we urge you to consult a general practitioner (GP) who can provide a proper assessment and, if necessary, refer you to a specialist for further evaluation.
The best defence against long COVID is to prevent getting infected with COVID-19 in the first place. To reduce your risk, we encourage you to stay up to date with vaccinations, wear face masks, and choose well-ventilated spaces when gathering with others. If you do contract COVID-19, it is crucial to consult a GP as soon as possible, especially if you are eligible for COVID antiviral medicine. Studies suggest that timely use of these medications may reduce the risk of long COVID in individuals at high risk of severe illness.
It is worth mentioning that our understanding of long COVID is still evolving, and ongoing research is being conducted to better comprehend its development, risk factors, and prevention and treatment options.
The symptoms of long COVID can vary from person to person. Even if you initially experienced mild or no symptoms when diagnosed with COVID-19, you could still develop long COVID. Common symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, changes in smell or taste, chest pain, difficulty sleeping, anxiety or depression, headache, and cognitive dysfunction. However, this list does not encompass every possible symptom, and it's important to remember that these symptoms can be caused by factors unrelated to COVID-19.
Long COVID can pose serious health risks for at least 12 months after the initial infection, including an increased likelihood of heart attacks, strokes, heart inflammation, blood clots, diabetes-related complications, lung fibrosis, kidney damage, and severe mental health issues.
Certain groups of people may be at a higher risk of developing long COVID. Studies indicate that it is more common among individuals aged 35 to 69, women, smokers, those who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19, individuals with chronic health conditions, people with obesity, those who had a severe COVID-19 infection requiring hospitalization, and those who have had COVID-19 multiple times.
If you are experiencing symptoms of long COVID, we urge you to consult a GP who can provide appropriate diagnosis, tests, and guidance on managing your symptoms. In cases of severe or prolonged symptoms that significantly impact your quality of life, your GP may refer you to a specialist.
While most long COVID symptoms can be managed at home and tend to resolve within 12 months, a small number of individuals may experience symptoms for a longer duration.
Please remember that long COVID is not contagious, although you may still have symptoms. Treatment for long COVID aims to manage symptoms and address any acute illness complications. It is important to note that there is no single treatment that applies universally to long COVID.
If you have previously recovered from COVID-19 but develop new symptoms four weeks after your initial diagnosis, we strongly recommend taking a COVID test, as it could indicate a new infection.
By staying vigilant, following safety measures, and making informed choices, we can protect ourselves and our community from the risks of COVID-19 and long COVID. Let us celebrate Eid al-Adha with joy while prioritizing the health and well-being of everyone around us.
All the staff at Malak Foundation wish you all a blessed and safe Eid al-Adha!
