In the discussion section of her submission:-
PREVENTION
Immunisation does not stop transmission of SARS CoV2. While current COVID vaccines may reduce the risk of developing Long COVID by an estimated 15% (possibly up to 41%) recent data tell us that the risk remains for most people after immunisation and increases with subsequent reinfection.
Repeated COVID infection appears to increase the risk of post-COVID symptoms whether the symptoms of the acute infection were “mild” or severe.There is recent evidence that antiviral treatment early in the course of an infection may reduce the incidence of Long COVID. However, antiviral medications do not eliminate the risk in most people.
Access to affordable antiviral medication in Australia is very limited. Unless a patient fits the very strict criteria for a prescription under the Pharmaceutical benefits Scheme, they are required to pay over $1000 for a five day course.The upshot is.. the only way to prevent Long COVID is to not get infected in the first place, or not to get reinfected.
“Personal responsibility” has become a political cop-out and this failed strategy will lead to more and more cases of COVID19, reinfection and Long COVID.
This is the antithesis of the principle of public health, which is to ensure that community- wide actions are needed to protect the health of all people in the community in a way that respects the rights of individuals, for mutual benefit.The public health strategies to achieve this are in the hands of Federal and State governments.
WHAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN
Government has the levers to help all people in the Australian community to live safer lives until there are better vaccines capable of preventing transmission, better treatments for SARS CoV2 infection and until Long COVID treatment protocols are developed.
Australia needs a long-term, comprehensive plan NOW to minimise transmission, Long COVID and reinfection.
This does not mean a return to draconian lockdowns.A return to the PRECAUTIONARY PRINCIPLE and the FUNDAMENTALS OF PUBLIC HEALTH and DISEASE PREVENTION, a COMPREHENSIVE PLAN for RESEARCH, and DEVELOPMENT OF TREATMENTS to include:
(from the link I posted above)
following this is a long list of Dr Phelps' recommendations.
