A NEW report released this week - It Only Takes Five: Reframing COVID-19 for Australians - calls on pharmacists and other healthcare professionals to help patients recognise their risk of serious illness due to COVID, and to act early to prevent this.
Led by health communicator Sophie Scott, Adjunct Professor at the University of Sydney, and supported by Pfizer Australia, the report highlights how delayed treatment continues to drive preventable complications and prolonged recovery.
With cases expected to rise in Nov and Dec, timely testing and treatment can make the difference between being unwell for a few days or for many weeks.
The report recommends people aged 50 and over, or those living with chronic conditions, should 'Know & Go' - know if you are at risk of serious illness, and at the first sign of symptoms, go early for testing and treatment.
Experts consulted for the report include GP Dr John Gullotta; Professor Kate Laver, a Flinders University researcher focused on improving independence and quality of life for older Australians; and Mary Swift from the Council of the Ageing.
According to the experts, many people are still unsure about whether they can get subsidised antiviral medicines through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), and there is little awareness that these medicines work best when started within five days of getting sick.
"This confusion about both eligibility and timing means some people are missing out on treatment that could help them recover faster," the report notes.
The experts also highlighted that for many people in their 50s and 60s, COVID is downplayed as "just another virus" that will pass with time, and they "don't want to be a burden", leading to reluctance to seek medical help.
Professor Laver noted the importance of familiar and trusted health professionals recommending a treatment plan personalised for the patient's needs, providing a "powerful motivator" for a speedy recovery.
Read the report HERE. KB
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