Families with children affected by Long Covid are feeling overlooked, with many parents expressing frustration at the lack of recognition for their children’s debilitating conditions. Thousands of young individuals are grappling with severe disabilities and confinement to their beds due to Long Covid, a post-viral syndrome that some healthcare professionals within the NHS still do not acknowledge.
During the Covid-19 Inquiry, families shared their dismay upon learning that healthcare providers were advised not to diagnose children with Long Covid, leading to a significant number of undiagnosed cases. Long Covid Kids, a charity supporting over 11,000 families, highlighted the neglect and dismissal faced by affected children and their families, who feel marginalized and misunderstood by healthcare professionals who predominantly focus on adult cases.
One mother, Harbinder Dhaliwal, spoke out about her three children suffering from Long Covid, emphasizing the challenges they face on a daily basis. Her children, once active and academically inclined, are now reliant on wheelchairs and struggle with basic tasks like reading and memory retention. The impact of Long Covid has not only affected their physical health but has also disrupted their education and social lives.
Another parent, Jana Touati, shared the heartbreaking story of her son Samir, who now relies on a wheelchair due to Long Covid contracted upon the reopening of schools during the pandemic. Samir, a once vibrant and bright teenager, now grapples with mobility issues, cognitive difficulties, and muscle spasms, highlighting the lasting impact of Long Covid on young individuals.
Despite the prevalence of Long Covid symptoms in children, there is a concerning lack of data on those living with lifelong disabilities as a result of the syndrome. The reluctance of healthcare systems, schools, and social services to acknowledge Long Covid in children has led to many cases being dismissed or mislabeled as psychological issues, further exacerbating the struggles faced by affected families.
The government’s response to Long Covid in children has been criticized for its inadequacy, with calls for better recognition, diagnosis, and support for young individuals battling the long-term effects of the virus. Long Covid Advocacy has raised concerns about the ideological approach that downplays biological illnesses and calls for a more comprehensive and compassionate response to the needs of children with Long Covid.
As families continue to navigate the challenges posed by Long Covid, the importance of addressing the physical, cognitive, and psychological effects of the syndrome cannot be understated. With ongoing research and a commitment to providing quality services for those affected by Long Covid, there is hope for better support and understanding for children living with the long-lasting impact of the virus.