While we are yet to fully comprehend the impact of Long COVID, thankfully research is helping us to better understand how to prevent and treat COVID-19, and tackle the impacts of Long COVID.
WA Primary Health Alliance recently welcomed the esteemed Professor Jeremy Nicholson, as keynote speaker at our Better Health, Together forum when he spoke about his world-leading research into Long COVID, including:
- COVID-19 as a systemic disease – what you can’t see can still hurt you
- COVID-19, Relationships with diabetes, and long-term cardiovascular risks… it works both ways
- Children, COVID-19 and Multiple Inflammatory Syndrome
- Omicron, BA2 and other variants and possible roles in Long COVID
While his presentation contained some intense themes and sobering insights, especially concerning the effects of Long COVID, it is reassuring to remember there are many things we can do to protect ourselves and our families.
Professor Nicholson mentions the ongoing importance of being as healthy as possible, particularly if you have had COVID-19, through a combination of good diet, regular exercise and focusing on overall wellbeing.
With the recent increase in cases of COVID-19 in Western Australia, masks will have an important role to play in the weeks and months ahead, especially in situations where physical distancing is impossible, or when coming into contact with people at risk in the community. By wearing a mask, as necessary, we all help minimise the spread and disruption in our community.
Being vaccinated, performing regular hand hygiene, and practising social distancing, among other measures, are all still relevant and effective ways to protect ourselves and others from exposure.
About the speaker
Professor Jeremy Nicholson is the Emeritus Professor of Biological Chemistry at Imperial College London (2018-2025) and Pro-Vice Chancellor for Health Sciences at Murdoch University (October 2018-onwards). He is also Director of the Australian National Phenome Center which opened officially in October 2019.
About Better Health, Together
WA Primary Health Alliance is pleased to partner with the WA Department of Health to deliver on the Primary Healthcare Round Table election commitment through hosting discussions at our biannual Better Health, Together Forums.