The following information was initially distributed on June 10, 2025. When people talk about "Long COVID," they're often referring to very different conditions. We want to help you understand that Long COVID actually represents three distinct outcomes of COVID-19 infection—and knowing the difference can be crucial for getting the right care and support.   The Three Types of Long COVID   1. Organ and Tissue Damage: COVID-19 can cause lasting physical damage to organs like th

The following information was first distributed in June of 2025 All remaining eligible Canadians aged 18 to 64 can now apply for the CDCP, with coverage starting as early as June 1, 2025. Canadian Dental Care Plan expands to include millions of new eligible Canadians - Canada.ca   To qualify: be a Canadian resident with household income under $90,000, no existing dental insurance The Canadian Dental Care Plan - Canada.ca , and have filed your 2024 tax return. The plan covers

The following information was originally shared on March 13, 2025. Five years into the COVID-19 pandemic, millions continue to grapple with Long COVID and ME/CFS—conditions plagued by misinformation that perpetuates stigma and inadequate care. In this double-feature installment of our Dispelling Myths series, we tackle two critical fronts: the biological roots of these illnesses and the dangers of outdated treatments. From viral triggers to harmful therapies, let’s separate f

ME|FM Society of BC Director, Sophie Harrison, advocates for those with Long COVID. Watch her March 2025 interview on CTV News as she discusses her experiences with this disease, its connection to Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and the lack of adequate knowledge and care.

Heat doesn't just make you uncomfortable when you're living with chronic illness - it can trigger significant symptom flares that feel overwhelming and unpredictable. Understanding why this happens and having a plan for managing heat-triggered symptoms can be the difference between a challenging day and a medical emergency. Why Heat Triggers Symptom Flares When you have ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia, or Long COVID, your body's ability to regulate temperature is often compromised. This

When people talk about "Long-COVID," they're often referring to very different experiences. At the ME|FM Society of BC, we believe it's crucial to understand that Long-COVID isn't one condition—it represents three distinct outcomes of COVID-19 infection. While our society specifically supports those experiencing the post-viral ME type of Long-COVID, understanding all three types can help you better communicate with healthcare providers and access appropriate care. The Three T

Living with ME, FM, or Long-COVID can feel isolating, but you don't have to navigate this journey alone. At the ME|FM Society of BC, we know that building a strong support network and accessing respite care are essential for managing these complex conditions. What Does a Support Network Look Like? Your support network is unique to you and might include: Family and friends who understand your condition Others living with ME, FM, or Long-COVID Healthcare providers familiar with

At the ME|FM Society of BC, we know first-hand how challenging it can be to get a diagnosis and receive appropriate care for ME, FM, and Long-COVID. Many people in British Columbia face long delays—often years—before being diagnosed, partly because these illnesses are complex and not always well understood by healthcare providers. This post is designed to help you prepare for medical appointments, communicate effectively with your doctor, and advocate for the care you deserve

Emergency care is meant to be a safety net—a place to turn when symptoms escalate or a crisis hits. But for individuals living with ME , FM, or Long-COVID , visits to the ER can often feel more like an uphill battle than a lifeline. This post explores the unique challenges our community faces in emergency settings, shares lived experiences from across British Columbia, and offers practical tools to help prepare for and navigate these often difficult situations. Ongoing Strugg

The ME|FM Society of BC expresses profound disappointment with the 2025 BC Budget’s continued neglect of over 87,000 British Columbians living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), 136,000 with FM and 118,000+ for those living with ME post COVID.  Despite years of advocacy and explicit recommendations from the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services, this budget ignores the urgent needs of a community facing systemic healthcare barriers, stigma, and a loom

The Travel Assistance Program (TAP) offers financial relief for BC r esidents traveling for non-emergency medical services not available in their communities. Residents must have MSP enrollment and a referral to an MSP enrolled medical specialist for services outside their community. Key Points: TAP does not cover personal expenses like meals or accommodations. Your travel must not be covered by third party insurance. Before travelling, you will require: a completed TAP form

Good news! If you are a Person With Disabilities (PWD), with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate, you will be able to apply to the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) using the online tool starting on June 27, 2024. For information on services covered, see here . In order to qualify, you must not have access to dental insurance have an adjusted family net income of less than $90,000 be a Canadian resident for tax purposes have filed your tax return in the previous year

BC Women's Hospital Complex Chronic Diseases Program presents a position statement regarding Functional Capacity Evaluations for people living with ME/CFS. “Healthcare providers need to keep in mind that when patients with ME/CFS exceed their individual capacities, PEM and serious deterioration of function may result”. "Based on current guidance from major institutions..., FCEs are not recommended for assessment of functioning in individuals with a diagnosis of ME/CFS." Read

Guardian columnist George Monbiot says in his opinion piece that "the outdated treatment of ME/CFS patients is a national scandal". Read this compelling article here . Trigger Warning: this article may bring up issues if you have had negative medical experiences.

BC Housing gives housing priority to applicants whose situation is urgent due to a health condition, domestic violence, or homelessness. BC Disability provides steps you can take if you have circumstances that make it especially pressing for you to get housing, including the use of the Supplemental Application Form . For more information, click here . "Navigating The System - BC Housing" is about halfway down the resulting webpage.

"I feel like this series is a life-line for people with ME or Long-COVID who are faced with healthcare and social support systems that provide so little access to knowledgeable help and meaningful support." Christina Wiebe Our new educational series, including 12+ helpful, informative modules, is now being sent directly, by email, to people across the province. Information is fact-based, up-to-date, and developed by experts, patients and caregivers. Includes friendly, easy

For an audio version of this article, click on the red SoundCloud arrow. Introduction and diagnosis Symptom management and referral ME W ebinar for physicians Complex Chronic Diseases Program FAQ page In order to support you with your primary care provider, our website hosts information on Introduction and diagnosis and Symptom management and referral . This information is aimed at health care providers. Our Introduction and Diagnosis page contains links to The National

With an influx of new members lately, we are highlighting some frequently accessed information resources. For our long-standing members, please note, we review these resources and update them when we can. Today, we’ll highlight Pacing resources and FAQs . The ME |FM Society of BC Pacing resources web page includes an introduction to pacing, guides to assist you in limiting post-exertional malaise (PEM), and suggested tools with which to enable your plan. Our FAQs web pag

For an audio recording of this article, click the SoundCloud link arrow. Summary notes of the May 12 webinar Accompanying survey Examining the Unmet Needs of British Columbians living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis On May 12, 2022, in recognition of International ME Awareness Day, the ME|FM Society of BC was pleased to host a virtual event: Sounds Like ME - a community conversation. During the event, Society Co-chair Hilary Robertson provided an update on Society work and

The connection between Long COVID and ME is evolving. In an effort to collect information on this developing topic, there is a new page to our website out today. ME and long covid resources - hosts a collection of published research on ME and Long COVID, collected accounts from researchers and experts, and a series of media pieces covering “long-haulers” developing ME/CFS. Please visit, read and share.