'long covid': new priority for who

the world health organization will consult with patient groups and experts to better understand why some people still feel covid-19 symptoms long after infection.

a number of people are reporting persistent symptoms such as extreme fatigue, cognitive issues and dry cough months after coming down with the virus. they’ve been called “long haulers” in the press,  the condition dubbed “long covid.”

in its revised clinical management guidelines, released tuesday , the health agency said that it will start working towards reaching a “consensus on a description of this condition and its subtypes, and case definitions” in february. the who says long covid will become one of their priority work areas.

covid-19 advocacy and support groups have popped up as patients compare symptoms and try to figure out the best ways to manage the condition and get appropriate care. some families are facing dire financial consequences as previously healthy adults are no longer able to work.

the ottawa citizen reports that some estimates suggest there are tens of thousands of canadians who suffer lingering after-effects from covid-19.

chantal renaud, an ottawa woman who suffers from long covid, told the newspaper she thinks canada is falling behind other countries that have recognized the issue and put new supports in place. in october, the u.k. released a five-point plan to deal with long covid. it currently has nearly 70 different sites across england to assess and diagnose individuals with what it calls “post-covid syndrome.”

last week, b.c. health officials announced the opening of three post-covid recovery clinics in the province to treat those with long-term health effects of the virus. officials believe it may be the first of its kind among the provinces.

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'long covid': new priority for who

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