By Pat Anson, PNN Editor

Are you worried about becoming infected with the coronavirus? Are you self-isolating at home? When you go out, do you wear face masks and gloves? Can you even find face masks and gloves?

Those are some of the questions we’re asking in a survey designed to measure the impact of the coronavirus on people living with chronic pain and/or chronic illness. PNN is partnering with the International Pain Foundation (iPain) and the Chronic Pain Association of Canada (CPAC) to see how people who are most vulnerable to COVID-19 are coping with a life-altering pandemic.

“We are all aware of the coronavirus and the effect it is having on our society as a whole. However, many don’t realize the negative effects it has on people living with chronic pain. Chronic pain sufferers often have conditions that render them more vulnerable to this virus than the general public. And we are concerned about access to vital medical services and medications that patients require on an on-going basis,” says Barry Ulmer, Executive Director of CPAC.

“It is important that as many people as possible take the survey. That will allow us to measure the impact of COVID-19 on people with chronic pain or chronic illness and then address those problems with our policymakers and regulators. This is important so please take a few minutes to participate.”