The information below was initially shared on January 9, 2026. In November, researchers at the University of East Anglia announced a blood test that diagnoses ME/CFS with 96% accuracy . Let that sink in! For years, many of you have been told your illness is "all in your head." This test proves what you already knew: ME/CFS has a clear biological signature. It's measurable. It's real.   "For the first time, we have a simple blood test that can reliably identify ME/CFS — potent

The information below was initiallly shared on November 11, 2025. Long COVID : Scientists have identified the first potential biomarker for Long COVID by detecting SARS-CoV-2 protein fragments in tiny cellular packages in the blood of affected patients Theanalyticalscientist ScienceDaily . Researchers in Japan have also discovered that Long COVID brain fog is connected to measurable changes in AMPA receptors in the brain, and their imaging technique can distinguish Long COVID

The information below was initially distributed on October 10, 2025. Today is a significant day. After months of work and 1,045 of you courageously sharing your experiences, we're releasing the BC ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia, Lyme & Long COVID Survey results. The numbers are both shocking and deeply validating.   You Are Not Alone. You Are Not Imagining This. 93% of you had negative healthcare experiences. Read that again. This isn't a few "difficult" patients. This isn't an isolate

The information below was initially distributed on August 14, 2025. Recent MSP billing compliance changes are set to disrupt care for thousands of patients with ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia, and Long COVID—many of whom were already struggling in a broken healthcare system. With no transition plan in place, approximately 5,000 people face immediate loss of the limited care they had. For a community where 98.5% already have no access to specialized care, this isn't just a service disru

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 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.

Professional Education & Clinical Practice Tools Policy Brief - Community Edition

Summer's social calendar can feel like a minefield when you're managing chronic illness. Just as you've figured out how to keep your body cool, you're faced with a different kind of heat: social pressure. Family barbecues, outdoor weddings, patio dinners, and weekend festivals all come with the unspoken expectation that summer equals participation. But for people with ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia, or Long COVID, summer social events can trigger serious symptom flares that last for da

Your home should be your sanctuary during summer heat, but for people living with chronic illness, it often becomes the frontline in managing symptoms and maintaining comfort. Simple, strategic modifications can transform your living space from a heat trap into a cooling refuge that supports your health and well-being throughout the summer months. The Science of Home Cooling Understanding how heat enters and moves through your home is the first step in creating effective cool

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

Energy conservation isn't just helpful during summer with chronic illness - it's essential. When you're living with ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia, or Long COVID, heat doesn't just make you uncomfortable; it fundamentally changes how much energy you have available for everything else. Introducing Our "Navigating Summer" Toolkit Today marks a significant milestone - the official launch of our comprehensive "Navigating Summer" toolkit. This 42-page resource represents a community minded

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 ME|FM Society is revamping the My MLA & ME program for the new Legislative session – and you’re invited to be a part of it . People with myalgic encephalomyelitis know too well what it is to live with a misunderstood disease. From gaslighting to lack of awareness, we are practiced at advocating for ourselves in medical settings. But what does it look like to bring those advocacy skills to the political realm?  Since 2020, the Society has run its My MLA & ME campaign, supp

Welcome back, myth-busters! In our second installment of the 'Dispelling Myths' campaign, we're diving deeper into the intricate world of ME/CFS and Long-COVID. Today, we're tackling two prevalent misconceptions that often leave patients feeling misunderstood and frustrated. Ever heard someone say, 'If you could do it yesterday, why can't you do it today?' or 'Isn't that just a middle-aged woman's condition?' Buckle up as we challenge these oversimplifications and shed light