Families raising children affected by Long Covid feel invisible, as highlighted in a recent national inquiry. Parents express frustration over the lack of recognition from the NHS regarding the serious disabilities and bedridden conditions their children face due to the lingering effects of the virus.
The Mirror reports that many families were shocked to learn during the Covid-19 Inquiry that medical professionals were advised not to diagnose children with Long Covid, leading to thousands of undiagnosed cases. Long Covid Kids, a charity supporting over 11,000 families, emphasizes that these children are often neglected and dismissed by healthcare providers who predominantly associate the condition with adults.
One mother, Harbinder Dhaliwal, shared her distress at the neglect her three children with Long Covid have faced. She attended the Covid Inquiry to raise awareness of the long-term impact on children, criticizing the focus on lost learning rather than the debilitating health effects her children endure.
The challenges faced by families are further illustrated by Jana Touati’s experience with her 15-year-old son, Samir, who now requires a wheelchair after contracting Long Covid. Despite the significant number of children reporting Long Covid symptoms, the lack of proper diagnosis leaves many families grappling with the uncertainties of lifelong disabilities.
The inquiry also revealed a concerning directive from a 2020 government meeting, where Dr. Shamez Ladhani discouraged labeling children with Long Covid to avoid potential psychological harm. This approach has left families feeling unheard and neglected by healthcare, educational, and social services, exacerbating the struggles of caring for children with long-lasting symptoms.
While some progress has been made with specialized long Covid clinics, families like Harbinder’s stress the urgent need for more support and recognition from authorities. The impact on children’s physical and mental health is profound, requiring comprehensive care and understanding from the healthcare system and society at large.