Long COVID impacts continue as Alberta doctors, researchers seek answers

Tamsin Shute's life has been dramatically restricted since she became sick with COVID-19 last fall.

She used to bike to work, practise yoga and spend weekends going for long hikes with her husband and kids.

Now, the 42-year-old needs a wheelchair just to go for a stroll in her Edmonton neighbourhood. On bad days, snuggling up to read a book with her children isn't even an option.

"COVID is absolutely not over. It's been six months since it ripped through my kids' school and disabled me," said Shute, who is now plagued by a number of long COVID symptoms, including overwhelming fatigue and cognitive problems, often referred to as brain fog.

As a result, Shute is unable to return to her job as a librarian. She spends most of her time at home, and regular activities, such as visiting in the yard with friends, can leave her in bed recovering for days.

"I don't think anybody ever would want long COVID. It's excruciating," she said.

"It's been so hard on my kids. I was a fun energetic mama who could do all these things and now … I basically lay in bed, help my kids, lay in bed, help my kids. It's not much of a life."

Two years into the pandemic, doctors and researchers continue their effort to unravel the mystery of long COVID.

Alberta Health Services, along with the University of Alberta, is conducting the first large-scale survey on the impacts of long COVID in the province.

"It's really important because we're trying to understand the experience of Albertans after COVID.… If we understand that people are experiencing certain problems, then we can plan ahead with our service delivery in health care," said Dr. Chester Ho, senior medical director of the neurosciences, rehabilitation and vision strategic clinical network with Alberta Health Services.

"The more we learn about this … the better we can prepare our health-care workers to support Albertans."

The survey includes questions about symptoms ranging from breathlessness and a racing heart to headaches and problems with concentration. It also asks people to rate their mobility, pain levels, ability to carry on activities and work as well as anxiety and depression levels both before and after their COVID illness.

According to Ho, 5,700 Albertans have responded to the survey so far. It's open to anyone who has had COVID-19 symptoms, whether they've tested positive or negative.

And he's hoping more people will participate, in part, so they can learn how long COVID plays out for people infected with the highly infectious Omicron variant that has swept through the province in recent months.