As N.B. tries to move on from COVID-19, long COVID holds some back
CBC
Three years into the COVID-19 pandemic, many New Brunswickers are anxious for life to return to "normal."
But some, like Sarah Ecker, fear their lives will never be the same.
Ecker, 34, of the Fredericton area, says she has long COVID, also known as post COVID-19 condition.
As a nurse for nine years and mother of two young children, she was used to being the one to take care of people. Now, it's often a struggle to get out of bed.
"I've always been an incredibly independent, strong-willed, capable, strong person," she said. "And to have my husband have to wash my hair sometimes because I'm too exhausted … that's hard."
It's not just the physical and neurological effects of long COVID, said Ecker, who has been unable to work for a year, since she tested positive for COVID-19.
"It affects your whole identity as a human being. It affects how you live your life and how you see yourself and how you see the world."
Ecker and advocates contend New Brunswick needs to follow the lead of other provinces and do more to help people suffering from long COVID — and soon.
The Department of Health says it's working on a plan but did not provide any timeline. Vitalité says a "provincial co-ordination service" that would allow for better management of patients is in the works.
Meanwhile, an infection control epidemiologist argues it's the medical community that needs to "step up" and work together to find solutions to present to government.
How many New Brunswickers suffer from long COVID is unclear.
"It's difficult to determine precise numbers … as many patients may experience symptoms differently," said Department of Health spokesperson Sean Hatchard. "Some would seek help from a health-care provider, while others may not.
"Many COVID-19 infections go unreported, and the process of diagnosing this condition is one that involves ruling out other issues, and may take time.
"And, since symptoms for post COVID-19 condition can range from very mild to severe, it's difficult to understand the full impacts at this time."
All public schools on P.E.I. are closed Friday and thousands of Maritime Electric customers are without power as strong winds create hazardous travel conditions across the province.
Prince Rupert, B.C., residents are celebrating the holidays this year with coastal flair.
In the four years Chelsey Simmonds has worked at the Eva Rothwell Centre, she has seen the need increase every year at the centre’s community food pantry.
CBC is once again looking to make the holiday season kind in Windsor-Essex.
Acute Care Alberta has extended its contract for another year with a private surgical facility at the centre of probes into health procurement and contracting.
As food bank use continues to climb across the province, front-line workers in Thunder Bay, Ont., are working to improve both food security and education.
More ads could soon be coming to Toronto’s subway system.
The driver wanted in connection with a fatal hit and run on Highway 401 earlier this week has been identified, police say.
There are mixed feelings about the proposed Grays Bay road and port project, among people who live in nearby communities.
WARNING: This story details allegations of child abuse and includes graphic content.
Provincial police in Lambton County have charged a 23-year-old man with second degree murder following a death investigation that began this past Saturday.
The Newfoundland and Labrador government is forming a working group to tackle what it calls systemic issues in the justice system, but answers or solutions could still be months away.
A woman has pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death in a 2024 fatal hit and run in Truro, N.S., where the victim was dragged down the street, a case that went unsolved for more than six months.