Canada establishes long COVID diagnosis and treatment guidelines

Experts from McMaster University have developed Canada's first comprehensive guidelines for long COVID, or post COVID-19 condition (PCC). These guidelines aim to help diagnose, manage, prevent, and treat this condition, which affects over one million Canadians. The Canadian Guidelines for Post COVID-19 Condition (CAN-PCC) include about 100 recommendations. These guidelines are organized into six main categories, which cover prevention, testing and diagnosis, clinical interventions, neurological and psychiatric issues, pediatric topics, and health systems support. The initiative was supported by a $9 million contribution from the Public Health Agency of Canada. It involved collaboration with healthcare professionals, policymakers, and individuals with firsthand experience of PCC. The recommendations suggest preventive measures, such as improving indoor ventilation, and treatments like metformin for people with PCC. They also emphasize the role of care navigators to assist patients. The guidelines face challenges due to uncertain research evidence, but they highlight key areas for future research. According to Dr. Robby Nieuwlaat, a co-lead, these guidelines will empower patients and help healthcare providers deliver better care. The CAN-PCC Collaborative also created tools like plain-language summaries and infographics to help people understand and use the guidelines, which are available in English and French. PCC can occur in anyone infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, regardless of the severity of their initial COVID-19 illness. Symptoms may include fatigue, shortness of breath, and brain fog, affecting memory and concentration. There are over 200 reported symptoms, which can vary in intensity and frequency.