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It is evident that COVID has had a significant impact on the global mental and physical health of populations. Whether this has been through monitoring daily acute infection numbers, media updates, family discussions about the pandemic, hearing of a loved one contracting COVID, and the isolation following this, COVID has impacted each of our lifestyles in some way. Beyond the acute infection of COVID, Post-Acute Sequalae COVID (PASC) or Long COVID is an area which we are learning more about and is constantly evolving. Perhaps Long COVID has affected you or a loved one personally, or even impacted a client’s lifestyle and nutrition goals.

This presentation is useful for dietitians in all sectors interested in learning more about the chronic impacts of COVID and the associated physical, mental and nutritional implications.

In this relevant presentation, Accredited Practising Dietitian Luke Hassan, shares his knowledge and experience on Long COVID and chronic fatigue syndrome. While Long COVID may appear as an ‘invisible illness’, clients commonly present with fatigue, impairment (commonly known as brain fog), and joint pain, as well as potential mental health implications such as anxiety and depression. Furthermore, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/ CFS) may also be triggered through being infected with COVID, being chronic and disabling, interrupting on all activities of daily living. The fatigue can be so severe that individuals may have to choose between preparing a meal or taking a shower, increasing their risk of malnutrition and loss of lean muscle mass.

As clinicians, it is crucial that our goals and individualised, we are empathetic, and that we practically engage in effective ways to support our clients to implement effective meal strategies to optimise their nutritional intake.

Summary:

• Beyond the acute management of COVID, it is important that we consider addressing Long COVID in our clinical practice and how this can impact our clients.
• Common clinical presentations include fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, as well an increased likelihood of anxiety and depression.
• It is crucial that we conduct a thorough nutrition assessment, create client-centred goals, and meet clients presenting with Long COVID with empathy and understanding.  

Luke Hassan’s mission is to 'make invisible illnesses visible' by advocating for those with Invisible Illnesses and supporting them in their nutritional health. He is the lead dietitian at Active Health Clinic in Melbourne,  where they specialise in providing care to people who live with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic Pain conditions, Dysautonomia and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders. He is passionate about making quality nutrition accessible for every BODY, no matter their functional capacity.

To register for the presentation and associated documents including the assessment quiz click here