If you're living with ME, Long COVID, or fibromyalgia, you may be entitled to significant financial support through the Disability Tax Credit (DTC), a federal program that many people with these conditions don't know they qualify for, or don't know how to access. This post walks you through what the DTC is, who it's for, how to apply, and how to have a productive conversation with your healthcare practitioner so they can support your application effectively. What Is the Disab

Spearheaded by the United Way BC (UWBC), in partnership with health authorities, this relatively new program links patients to non-clinical services to improve health and reduce isolation. Designed for those 60+, social prescribing is now offered in the majority of British Columbia's 89 local health areas. As the ME|FM Society of BC receives requests for information about meal assistance, we are thankful to note that the program includes food security programs (Good Food Box

Most people have never heard of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. Fewer still understand how many lives it quietly consumes. A closer look at the numbers reveals a disease burden that is not just significant, it is extraordinary. What Is Prevalence, and Why Does It Matter? When researchers talk about disease burden, one of the most fundamental questions they ask is: how many people does this affect? Prevalence is the measure of how many people are currently

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 distributed on June 19, 2025. We have some important advocacy news to share with you. The society recently had the opportunity to speak to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services regarding the 2026 provincial budget; on behalf of our community, we presented three key recommendations that could transform care for our community in British Columbia. Building on Past Success Our advocacy efforts have achieved real results b

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