Yukoners with long COVID-19 are struggling. Now, some want the government to take action

When Mark Rutledge first contracted COVID-19 in June 2021, his symptoms were very mild.

He had received his second dose of the vaccine a few months earlier, and he assumed he would soon be back to health.

But a few weeks after recovering from the virus, Rutledge started experiencing unusual symptoms.

"The cough came back and the cough never went away," said Rutledge. "But what really is extraordinary for me is the chronic pain that I feel in my extremities, my hands and my feet. It's day and night, all the time."

Rutledge also started experiencing hot and cold flashes and tremors. 

He's part of a growing number of people who are struggling with post-COVID-19 symptoms. There have been over 200 symptoms attributed to long COVID-19, but according to Health Canada, some common symptoms include fatigue, memory problems, shortness of breath and general pain.

The consequences of these symptoms can be devastating for people's health, social lives and finances.

That's certainly been the case for Rutledge.

"[The pain] gets so bad that you lose sleep," said Rutledge. "Mental wellness becomes a huge factor. You know, you're tired all the time. You lose focus."

The symptoms often prevent him from working and he frequently has to take unpaid leave. 

But perhaps one of the biggest hurdles he faces is trying to get adequate medical care. He says he's simply unable to get the help he needs from the health system in Yukon.

"The difficult part is trying to get doctors and medical professionals to hear the stories and experiences that we're going through, but also believe us," said Rutledge.

Rutledge says his family doctor brushed off many of his concerns at first and was at a loss of how to help him. Rutledge's physiotherapist eventually referred him to a neurologist.

But Rutledge won't be able to see one any time soon.