A network supporting and conducting research
into the Post-COVID Condition (PCC)
What is Long COVID?
Long COVID, or Post-COVID Condition (PCC), is a complicated illness that affects over ten different parts of the body. It shows up in different ways in different people and can be mild or severe, lasting for various lengths of time. People with PCC get treated by doctors from different medical fields, and they might receive care in different places like clinics, hospitals, or rehab centers. In Canada, one of the big problems in dealing with PCC is that it's hard for doctors from different specialties, hospitals, regions, and even countries to work together and share information about it.
14.8%
of adults with a confirmed or suspected infection, experienced longer-term COVID-19 symptoms
47.3%
of adults that experienced longer-term COVID-19 symptoms, experienced symptoms for a year or longer
21.3%
of adults that experienced longer-term COVID-19 symptoms, said that their symptoms often or always limited their daily activities
Engage with Long COVID Web
What We Do
The Long COVID Web centers on four key areas of health research, aligning with CIHR's guiding principles. These principles shape our approach, defining the aspects of health research we explore and informing our focus on healthcare and health challenges in Canada.
Biomedical
Understand disease mechanisms, identify
biomarkers and
therapeutic candidates
Clinical
Scale up innovative pharmacological and rehabilitation trials
Health Services
Establish integrated
care pathways across Canada
Population Health
Inform harmonized response to personal, societal and economic impacts of long COVID
In-kind
Support
25K
Category
- Title: Investigating the Inflammatory Pathways in PCC Using Machine Learning: Validation and Refinement of Predictive Models in Diverse Cohorts NPI: Elham Dolatabadi Abstract: Post COVID-19 condition (PCC) is a complex condition with persistent symptoms beyond the acute phase of COVID-19. The causes and the body’s response, including aspects like immunity and antibody production, are not yet fully understood. Our research aims to develop and validate a machine learning model to better understand how the body responds to PCC-related pathogens using data from the CANCOV study. By analyzing demographic, clinical, and immunological data, our model can track symptoms and immune markers, achieving an accuracy of 84%. We plan to further validate this model with a new group of patients to enhance its reliability. This study could lead to improved diagnostic tools and treatments. Research Team: A. Cheung, E. Paramithiotis Research Keywords: post-COVID-19 condition; machine learning; immunology; inflammatory pathway
- Title: Quantifying Physiological and Behavioural Markers in a Mind-Body Intervention for People Living with Long Covid and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis NPI: Victor Ezeugwu Abstract: This study looks at how a mind-body program called the Dynamic Neural Retraining System (DNRS) helps people with long-lasting symptoms after COVID-19 (Long COVID) or a condition called Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), both of which can cause serious tiredness that affects daily activities. We will use Garmin monitors to measure changes in daily steps, sleep, and heart health. Our goal is to see if DNRS improves the health and quality of life for people living with these conditions. We will collect data from 200 participants and analyze it to understand how well DNRS works for people with these conditions. Research Team: D. Gross, S. Vohra, R. Sharma ​Research Keywords: long COVID; intervention; activities; wearables
- Title: Comprehensive Systematic Review of Long COVID Terminology to Aim for a National Consensus Definition of Long COVID NPI: Grace Lam Abstract: Long COVID – the patient-given name – has been referred to with numerous names and definitions in the academic and lay literature. This confusion still contributes to chaotic study populations and delays in appropriate clinical assessments and management strategies, as well as in research. Building on the work of a person with lived experience, we propose a dedicated literature review to comprehensively compile and summarize the evolution of terms that have been used by both patients and academics (aim #1; current application), followed by a national consensus study to define Long COVID by Canadians, for Canadians (aim #2, future proposal). Research Team: A. Bhéreur, K. O'Brien, D. Gross, S. Décary, ​Research Keywords: Long COVID definition; Post COVID-19 condition; clinical definition; research definition; terminology
Our Values
At Long COVID Web, we are dedicated to fostering a community built on core values that shape our mission and approach. We embrace diversity, valuing the richness of individual backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives within the Long COVID community. Our commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) extends to actively addressing barriers like ableism and tokenism that hinder our collective goals.
Long COVID Web Structure
Long COVID Web operates on a dynamic and inclusive framework, fostering collaboration, knowledge exchange, and a holistic understanding within the community. Rooted in a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, our organizational structure provides a welcoming space for individuals with diverse backgrounds and expertise. Prioritizing open communication, the framework encourages respectful dialogues and idea exchange. With a multidisciplinary approach, we acknowledge the importance of diverse perspectives in navigating the complexities of Long COVID.
Upcoming Events
Long COVID Web Webinar Series:
Updates on Research Activities and Plans for LCW Pillars 3 & 4
Speakers:
Kieran Quinn, MD, PhD
Gary Groot, MD, PhD, FRCSC, FACS
Andrea Gruneir, PhD​
Scientific lead for Pillar 3 on health services research, Dr. Kieran Quinn will cover topics related to identifying cases of Long COVID across Canada using algorithms and administrative datasets, measuring variation in service use and outcomes, and rehabilitation pathways.​
Pillar 4 scientific leads, Drs. Gary Groot and Andrea Gruneir will cover topics such as establishing a registry of Long COVID patients, estimating the costs of LC from patient, societal, and healthcare perspectives, and identifying strategies for return to work.
Past Events
Long COVID Web Webinar Series: Updates on Research Activities and Plans for LCW Pillars 3 & 4 ​Speakers: Kieran Quinn, MD, PhD Gary Groot, MD, PhD, FRCSC, FACS Andrea Gruneir, PhD Scientific lead for Pillar 3 on health services research, Dr. Kieran Quinn will cover topics related to identifying cases of Long COVID across Canada using algorithms and administrative datasets, measuring variation in service use and outcomes, and rehabilitation pathways. Pillar 4 scientific leads, Drs. Gary Groot and Andrea Gruneir will cover topics such as establishing a registry of Long COVID patients, estimating the costs of LC from patient, societal, and healthcare perspectives, and identifying strategies for return to work.
Long COVID Web Webinar Series: Updates on Research Activities and Plans for LCW Pillars 1 & 2 ​Speakers: Gavin Y Oudit, MD, PhD, FRCPC, FCAHS Emilia Liana Falcone, MD, PhD, FRCPC Grace Lam, MD, MSc, PhD, FRCPC Jill Cameron, PhD, FAHA Summary: Drs. Gavin Oudit and Emilia Falcone will cover topics in the domain of Pillar 1 including biomedical science related to Long COVID such as mechanisms of action, pathophysiology, biomarkers and phenotypes. Drs. Jill Cameron and Grace Lam will cover plans and activities in the domain of Pillar 2, including definitional issues, and clinical studies exploring diagnosis, treatment, and patient registries.
