March 11 marks a poignant milestone: it has been five years since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. The pandemic has left an indelible mark on every corner of Canadian life, affecting not only businesses and education but also familial relationships and mental health.

While many have returned to some semblance of normalcy, the reality of long COVID continues to haunt countless Canadians, underscoring the pandemic's complex and lingering effects. Dr. Grace Lam, a respected respirologist and co-director of a long COVID clinic in Edmonton, Alberta, emphasizes the serious nature of this ongoing issue: "For those that have long COVID, this remains a very real problem that is just as pertinent today as it was at the height of the pandemic."

Statistics Canada reveals a troubling fact: one in nine Canadian adults is grappling with long-term COVID-19 symptoms. These symptoms, which can be debilitating, encompass a wide array of respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, and cognitive issues. Alarmingly, nearly half of those reporting ongoing symptoms have seen no improvement over time. As of June 2023, more than 58% of those who identified as having long COVID still endure these debilitating effects, which can severely impact daily life and work productivity.

Dr. Lam notes that the profile of individuals affected by long COVID often differs from those who suffered severe acute infections. Many are middle-aged between 40-60, with a higher prevalence among females. “Long COVID tends to strike individuals who are in their prime working years, responsible for caring for families,” Lam explains, highlighting the societal and familial implications of this chronic illness.

The personal toll of long COVID is profound. Over 20% of Canadians with long COVID, often referred to as long-haulers, have reported missing significant amounts of school or work, with some forced to seek social support or disability benefits. Participants in a virtual public roundtable in September 2022 conveyed their experiences of stigma and inadequate healthcare support, likening the condition to "losing your life without dying." This comparison resonates deeply among those struggling with their identities and roles as their illness disrupts everyday life.

Long COVID manifests in various symptoms, which have evolved as different viral variants emerged. Common issues today include extreme fatigue, brain fog, heart palpitations, breathlessness, and post-exertional malaise.

Robert DeRosa, a 42-year-old from Hamilton, Ontario, shares his struggles: "I feel like a shadow of myself. It's been four years now. I just want my life back." Similarly, 53-year-old Hoi Bing Mo from Coquitlam, B.C., has experienced severe heart palpitations and relentless headaches, with one incident landing her in the ER due to the intensity of her symptoms.

Moreover, many long-haulers also battle postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS), which causes significant heart rate spikes when standing—making daily activities a daunting challenge. The psychological ramifications, such as feelings of grief and mental health issues, are rampant among those affected. A Facebook group, “COVID Long-Haulers Support Group Canada,” now boasts nearly 20,000 members seeking advocacy, advice, and solidarity.

Despite a lack of a definitive cure and the transition of many long COVID clinics to online consultations, there is some hope. Rehabilitation centers like the University Health Network's Toronto Rehabilitation Institute are focused on personalized care, helping patients manage their symptoms and improve quality of life. Dr. Alexandra Rendely, a physician at the clinic, notes that many patients are learning self-management strategies and some have experienced significant improvements.

On the research front, progress is being made. Dr. Emilia Falcone, director of the IRCM post-COVID-19 research clinic in Montreal, leads a team studying long COVID with hopes of identifying predictive biomarkers and exploring potential treatments. Her optimism reflects the collaborative effort among experts across various disciplines dedicated to tackling this pressing health crisis.

As we look back at the past 5 years of living through the pandemic, the reality for Canadians living with long COVID remains a critical narrative—a testament to the need for continued awareness, research, and support. As Dr. Lam highlights, preventive measures such as COVID-19 vaccination remain the best strategy to minimize the risk of long COVID and its associated challenges. The path forward may be uncertain, but the fight against long COVID is far from over.