The Canadian Respiratory Research Network (CRRN) Long COVID Study

Summary

We are studying the long-term effects of COVID-19 on the lungs. COVID-19 is an infectious disease that can cause symptoms such as fever, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, cough and fatigue. Sometimes, these symptoms of COVID-19 last for weeks or months. The long-term impact of COVID-19 on the lungs and quality of life is not currently known.

We are a group of respiratory researchers, patients, health care workers, non-profit groups and others who want to know how common long-term lung damage is after COVID-19 and how it affects people.

The information we learn about the effects of COVID-19 will help patients and health care providers manage it better. We plan to use this new knowledge to write a guide on what respiratory monitoring and testing should be done after COVID-19 infection to help patients get the care they need.

Who we are

Who can participate?*

Adults 18 years of age and older
Tested positive for COVID-19 infection (i.e., PCR or rapid antigen test, including at-home rapid antigen test) 5 to 12 months ago
Had symptoms (e.g., fever, cough, difficulty breathing, sore throat) at the time of their positive COVID-19 test
Living within the community (i.e., private home)

*Please note: We are not currently enrolling participants from the general public. Potential participants have been contacted by our research team and invited to participate.

What's involved?

You will be asked to complete questionnaires over the internet or over the phone. These will take 30-40 minutes. You will also be asked to go to one of our research sites close to you for a breathing test. This will take about 1 hour. At this visit, you will also be asked if you would like to complete an optional blood draw for the study.

The study involves one in-person visit and is not testing any treatments or medical interventions.

If you decide to participate in this study, you will be given $20.00 for completing the in-person breathing tests to help cover expenses (such as for travel, babysitting, etc.) as a result of taking part in the study.

If you complete the online questionnaire and in-person visit, you will be entered in a random draw to win an iPad. The draw will be held once participant enrollment is complete, and the winning participant will be notified by email.

Interested in participating?

If you have been contacted by our research team and are interested in participating in this study or have additional questions, please contact us at CRRNLongCOVID@Sunnybrook.ca. Contacting us does not mean that you have to participate in the study.