The Working Group on Post-Infectious Diseases is emphasizing the urgent need for improved care for individuals affected by Long Covid and other similar post-infectious conditions.
Norbert Suttorp, a physician and co-spokesperson for the group, explained that previous gaps in the care of novel diseases like Long Covid amount to “scientific uncharted territory.” He stressed that minor adjustments within clinical procedures or simply repurposing existing medications would be insufficient to address the complex challenges presented by these illnesses.
Regina Riphahn, Vice President of the Leopoldina, added that the experience gained from handling Long Covid could be invaluable for future pandemic preparedness and for developing robust strategies for treating post-infectious diseases. She noted that the economic burden of such illnesses could potentially range from 0.1 to 0.2 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the long term.
The Working Group thoroughly assessed the current patient care organization and highlighted systemic gaps. Specific problems were identified at the interfaces between outpatient, general practitioner (GP), and specialized care, as well as within acute hospital settings and rehabilitation centers.
To genuinely improve the diagnosis and treatment of post-infectious conditions, the group asserted that a superior data foundation is essential. Currently, there is an insufficient amount of connected and relevant data in Germany. A streamlined data infrastructure could aid in identifying biomarkers for Long Covid. The electronic patient record (EHR) offers an opportunity to establish a strong foundation for medical research, provided that data collection is based on the broad consent of the patients themselves. Furthermore, the physicians highlighted the critical role of prevention, noting that vaccinations not only combat severe disease progression but can also prevent post-infectious illnesses.
