The Ongoing Battle: Long-Term COVID Symptoms and Canadians

December 09, 2023, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

The aftermath of COVID-19 extends far beyond the initial illness for many Canadians. A recent Statistics Canada report has shed light on a concerning reality: one in nine Canadian adults, approximately 3.5 million individuals, have grappled with long-term symptoms post-COVID infection. What's even more striking is that as of June 2023, over half of those who experienced prolonged symptoms continue to endure them.

Understanding Long COVID

Defined by the World Health Organization as symptoms persisting for three months or longer after infection without any other explanation, long COVID poses a significant challenge to both individuals and healthcare systems. Common symptoms, including brain fog, fatigue, and shortness of breath, linger, affecting not just daily productivity but also the overall quality of life.

CBC New reported that Manali Mukherjee, an assistant professor of medicine specializing in respiratory diseases and immunology at McMaster University, acknowledges the impact of these persistent symptoms. Mukherjee, a long COVID researcher who herself underwent an 18-month recovery from similar symptoms, emphasizes the profound effect on individuals' lives.

Unmet Healthcare Needs

Alarmingly, this report highlights a concerning gap in healthcare support for those grappling with long-term symptoms. Two-thirds of adults seeking health services for their persistent symptoms express dissatisfaction with the treatment and support received. This raises pertinent questions about the adequacy of healthcare provisions and the need for tailored support systems for long COVID sufferers.

Vaccination and Long COVID

Research indicates that COVID-19 vaccination not only reduces the risk of contracting the virus but also lessens the severity of symptoms, potentially mitigating the likelihood of experiencing long-term effects. Mukherjee emphasizes the importance of vaccination in curbing the incidence and impact of long COVID, providing hope for both prevention and symptom management.

Multiple Infections and Underestimated Numbers

Beyond long-term symptoms, the report also underscores another concerning aspect: the prevalence of multiple COVID-19 infections among Canadians. Roughly 64% of Canadian adults reported at least one known or suspected COVID-19 infection by June 2023, marking a significant increase from the previous year's statistics. The numbers, however, likely underestimate the true extent of infections, posing challenges in accurately gauging the population's exposure and subsequent risks.

The Statistics Canada report offers a crucial glimpse into the enduring impact of COVID-19 on a significant portion of the Canadian population. As the numbers of those affected by long COVID continue to rise and the need for better healthcare support becomes evident, it's imperative to prioritize comprehensive care, research, and proactive measures like vaccination to combat the long-term consequences of this global pandemic.

The resilience of those battling persistent symptoms is undeniable, but their plight underscores the necessity for a concerted effort from healthcare systems, policymakers, and the broader community to address the far-reaching implications of this ongoing health crisis.

About Deutschmann Law

Deutschmann Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.deutschmannlaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.