KP Banks

Super easy prevention: wear a mask.

“Preventative action is urgently needed, otherwise there’s a risk that we set our young people onto a path of ill health through the rest of their lives. This would be a sad loss of potential for the individual and the economy.”

We have the evidence of the protective effects for neurodegenerative disease. It’s time to lower the age restrictions.

Just the concrete tips of David Keegan from University of Calgary on how to use “familiar” data in clinical practice could be game changing for patients. #lcwsymposium

I truly wish I had the spoons for posting all the amazing content today about health systems and service delivery for LC at #LCWSymposium

Another day, another round of “I can’t believe this needs saying”:

Observing a condition in clinic is *not* lived experience of that condition, and trying to claim it as such is an outrageous appropriation.

Clinicians have no shortage of authority. Do not grab for the crumbs left to patients.

Dr. Yonkers: “I do think this [testing for POTS, PEM, LC] can be done in the primary care office…keep it close to home.” #lcwsymposium #longcovidkids

Part of this includes ruling out other symptoms, as well as assessing for PEM and testing for POTS, other autonomic issues. #lcwsymposium #longcovidkids

Dr. Yonkers: right now we’re in treatment of LC symptoms, which I have learned much from ME/CFS colleagues. #lcwsymposium #longcovidkids

Dr. Yonkers: “We want kids to get better, but we can’t wish it upon them.” #lcwsymposium #longcovidkids

“We need to be careful” when we discuss and diagnose children. #LCWSymposium #longcovidkids

Lael Yonkers from @mgbresearch.bsky.social on MIS-C in kids: 60% of children improve after 2 years, but there are still 40% of children whose symptoms do NOT improve. #LCWSymposium #longcovidkids

My take: if you think your kid has Long COVID—ask your kid’s doctor!! #lcwsymposium

AND she stresses: kids are more likely to be diagnosed *if their provider is asked about Long COVID.* #lcwsymposium #longcovidkids

Dr. Yonkers: there is a better chance for a child to be diagnosed with Long COVID if they miss school or have a facility member. #lcwsymposium #longcovidkids

Day 2 of #LCWSymposium! First up: keynote from Lael Yonker, the Director of the COVID-19 Pediatric Biorepository at @mgbresearch.bsky.social and professor at @harvardmed.bsky.social

From Shlomit Rosenberg from @utoronto.ca on episodic disability research: spirituality was strongest association among energy restoration activities. Not necessarily religion or meditation, but connection to art and nature as well. #LCWSymposium

For example, there is little in the LC literature about getting back to work. In clinical practice, getting back to work is found to be incredibly important for LC patients.

Important point by @kellyobrien25.bsky.social on LC research: just because something has not been measured does not mean that it is not important. #LCWSymposium

My take: it’s not just guidelines and protocols that matter in LC healthcare.
We know that LC presents heterogeneously.
Personalized care with compassionate clinicians who are knowledgeable and can appreciate the “unknowns” is essential for symptom management. #LCWSymposium

After 3 months, patients reported they were more likely to engage in usual activities, fewer missed workdays, and lower private health care expenses.

Intervention tested was compassionate care paired with individualized self-management plans. Immediately post-intervention, patients felt more able to participate in daily activities compared to a control group.

Excellent presentation on LISTEN trial by Prof. Monica Busse-Morris from @kingsnmpc.bsky.social. #LCWSymposium

The possibilities for treatment have been less pronounced during conversations today, and Dr. Proal’s presentation visibly lifted the mood in the room. @polybiorf.bsky.social

Pleased to see Amy Proal from @polybiorf.bsky.social discuss viral persistence and the possibilities of biotech at #LCWSymposium.

One major point: clinicians should mask during interactions without needing a patient request. That relieves much cognitive stress for LC patients.

Dr. McKay talked about the need for “art and science” of practicing medicine, especially with multiple unknowns.

Dr. Jane McKay from UBC Internal Medicine focused on patient-centered care, particularly in the exam room #lcwsymposium

I know two people who got long covid from infections during doctor appointments where they couldn't easily mask (an MRI and an ENT exam). this is a very real risk.

And before anyone says anything - yes, there are MRI-safe respirators, most people don't know about them or have access to them.

Currently attending the 3rd Canadian Symposium on Long COVID! I’m excited to see so many colleagues focused on health systems and service delivery.

Saskatchewan 2 deaths, 11 outbreaks in high-risk settings related to COVID-19 in past month: Sask. Health Authority 34 people were hospitalized with COVID-19 from Sept. 7 to Oct. 4, respiratory illness situation report says CBC News · Posted: Oct 17, 2025 7:44 PM EDT | Last Updated: 8 hours ago

Canada: Saskatchewan reported 2 COVID deaths and 11 outbreaks in high-risk settings, including long-term care and group homes in past month.

The province’s positivity rate is 7.9%, with Regina 13.8%, north central region 8.6%, and Saskatoon 7.8%.

Source: archive.li/KKh5n