New clinic for long COVID and Lyme disease patients opens at Montreal Jewish General Hospital

CIUSSS West-Central Montreal has opened its interdisciplinary clinic at the Jewish General Hospital (JGH).

The new clinic will be primarily for patients with persistent symptoms of COVID-19 and Lyme disease.

“In establishing this clinic, we are responding to a growing need and are ensuring that people with either of these debilitating illnesses will receive the best treatment possible,” Dr. Lawrence Rosenberg, President and CEO of CIUSSS West-Central Montreal, said in a statement.

“At the same time, research represents an important component of this initiative, and I am confident we will gain a better understanding of both long COVID syndrome and Lyme disease, which bodes well for the future.”

The clinic will allow for COVID and Lyme disease patients to be looked at by specialist doctors and will allow patients to receive medical and/or rehabilitation services based on their personal needs.

“Although most of the people who get COVID-19 recover within a few weeks, some—even those who had mild versions of the disease—might have symptoms that last a long time afterward,” notes Dr. Karl Weiss, Chief of the JGH Division of Infectious Diseases. “These symptoms can be disabling, making it difficult to perform daily activities or to return to work or school. They may vary in intensity from day to day, and over time.”

“As you can imagine, research and knowledge about treating this illness—known as ‘long COVID syndrome’ is emerging and rapidly evolving. Our goal in establishing the referral centre is to provide patients with leading-edge care while improving our understanding of the disease.”

The CIUSSS says the following criteria will also be required for patients:

• For COVID-19:
  • Be at least 18 years old;
  • Test positive for COVID-19 using a PCR test, or have been diagnosed with COVID-19 by a healthcare provider;
  • Have new COVID-19 symptoms that were not present before the infection, and that have persisted for at least 12 weeks;
  • Be a resident of Quebec or a student residing in Quebec. Priority will be given to residents of the area served by CIUSSS West-Central Montreal and the Montreal region, as indicated in an agreement with the other designated centres.
• For Lyme disease:
  • Be at least 18 years old;
  • Have Lyme disease, as confirmed by a blood test, PCR or healthcare professional;
  • Have symptoms that persist after standard Lyme disease treatment has ended;
  • Be a resident of Quebec or a student residing in Quebec. Priority will be given to residents of the area served by CIUSSS West-Central Montreal and the Montreal area, as indicated in an agreement with the other designated centres