Families with children affected by Long Covid feel overlooked, expressing a sense of invisibility according to a recent national inquiry. Numerous children have been left severely disabled and confined to their beds due to the lingering effects of the post-viral syndrome, which many parents claim the NHS fails to acknowledge.
Parents shared their disbelief upon learning from the Covid-19 Inquiry that healthcare professionals were advised not to diagnose children with Long Covid during the pandemic. This directive has led to thousands of cases going undiagnosed, as reported by families supported by the charity Long Covid Kids, representing over 11,000 affected families who feel neglected and misunderstood by healthcare providers.
One mother, Harbinder Dhaliwal, disclosed that her three children have been grappling with Long Covid, preventing them from attending school for the past three years and prompting her to become their full-time caregiver. She highlighted the distress of watching her once active and academically inclined children struggle with basic daily tasks due to their debilitating condition.
Another parent, Jana Touati, shared the story of her 15-year-old son, Samir, who now relies on a wheelchair due to Long Covid contracted after schools reopened without adequate safety measures during the pandemic. The lack of recognition and support for children affected by Long Covid has left families feeling abandoned by healthcare, educational, and social services.
Despite data from the Office for National Statistics indicating a significant number of children experiencing Long Covid symptoms, the lack of proper diagnosis has hindered efforts to quantify the long-term impact on affected individuals. The reluctance to acknowledge Long Covid in children has led to professionals dismissing their struggles as psychological rather than physical.
In response to these challenges, advocacy groups like Long Covid Advocacy are calling for greater awareness and support for children battling Long Covid. The government’s handling of the pandemic, particularly in relation to schools and healthcare, has come under scrutiny for failing to adequately address the needs of young people suffering from Long Covid.
As families continue to navigate the complexities of Long Covid, the call for recognition and assistance for these invisible children grows louder. The journey towards understanding and addressing the long-lasting effects of Long Covid in children remains a pressing issue that requires urgent attention and support from all stakeholders involved.