New Montreal clinic will be part of Quebec network studying long COVID, Lyme disease

A new clinic is opening Monday in Montreal that will treat patients who have either long COVID or Lyme disease.

It is one of the 15 specialized facilities announced by the Quebec government in May to study COVID and Lyme disease due to similarities in the way the two diseases affect patients.

Although most people recover from COVID-19 infections within two to four weeks, some patients even with mild versions of the disease end up with symptoms that endure much longer.

Long COVID symptoms can include fatigue, shortness of breath and cognitive difficulties, making daily activities difficult.

Hospital officials say they are hoping the clinic will respond to a growing need and ensure that those experiencing the illnesses get the best treatment possible.

The Health Department says most of the 15 clinics will begin offering services this fall, with several already open across the province.

- This report by The Canadian Press was first published on Oct. 31, 2022