Community News

HELP END ANY STIGMA ATTACHED TO LONG COVID

CAROL GROSS MCKELLAR

To the editor:

March 15, 2023, is the first long COVID International Awareness Day. Long COVID groups and "long haulers" worldwide are uniting to bring awareness and education about this often devastating illness.

Globally social media will be flooded with patient's experiences, sources for education, support for long haulers, resources providing information on where help is available and advocacy that government's worldwide allocate the necessary funding to continue research that eventually will lead to treatments.

It is hoped this campaign will end any stigma attached to long COVID, raise awareness and that the government at all levels will work together with medical professionals, researchers, experts and patient partners to find the crucial answers needed to address this illness headon.

Research has discovered some theories as to the causes of long COVID, but nothing is concrete. And due to the lack of much needed funds, many studies are put on hold. Funding in Canada is not only needed for long COVID, but for many, many illnesses.

It is estimated 65 million people worldwide have long COVID, with up to an estimated 200 possible symptoms. Thousands and thousands of people have been ill since 2020, many with debilitating symptoms. New studies are showing long COVID can cause major health issues and often lead to early death.

I have been a long hauler for 14 months. Some of my symptoms have improved while others are getting worse. I am fortunate to have a family physician who has supported me from day one of this horrific journey and does everything that she can to help me.

I am on wait lists for some long COVID clinics and specialists. But, as anyone who is waiting to see a specialist, we know that wait times can be extremely long.

I have experienced gaslighting by people that think this illness is either fake or physiological. To that I say, if anyone would like to live in my body for one day, they would probably change their mind!

There are several online support groups worldwide. I am extremely grateful that I found Long COVID Resources Canada. Not only has it been a lifesaver, but it provides me with education, understanding, support and friendship. This group is my safe place where I can share my thoughts and fears.

I have been very open about my illness, participating in media interviews and advocating for change. I urge anyone that is suffering or knows someone who is suffering to please reach out.

Although there is no cure for long COVID at this time, there are treatments available to ease the symptoms. I will end with a few links that provide excellent information.

Please take the time to read, listen and share. It takes many voices to be heard!

COMMUNITY

en-ca

2023-03-23T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-03-23T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://communitynews.pressreader.com/article/281556590072416

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