Families have come forward in a national inquiry, expressing their frustration over being overlooked after their children were left disabled by Long Covid. Numerous children are facing severe disabilities and confinement to their beds due to the lingering effects of the post-viral syndrome, which many parents claim the NHS is still hesitant to acknowledge.
Parents shared their dismay upon learning from the Covid-19 Inquiry that healthcare professionals were advised not to categorize child sufferers with Long Covid during the pandemic, resulting in thousands of undiagnosed cases. Long Covid Kids, a charity supporting over 11,000 families, highlighted the neglect and disbelief they have faced from NHS practitioners who tend to assume that only adults are affected.
One mother, Harbinder Dhaliwal, whose three children are battling Long Covid, attended Boris Johnson’s appearance at the Covid Inquiry. She emphasized the prolonged absence of her children from school due to their health struggles, lamenting the lack of recognition for their condition.
Another parent, Jana Touati, recounted how her 15-year-old son, Samir, now reliant on a wheelchair due to Long Covid contracted after schools reopened, has been severely impacted. The absence of appropriate measures in schools led to a rapid spread of Covid among students, resulting in long-term health complications for many.
Statistics from the Office for National indicate that around 72,000 children and young individuals reported Long Covid symptoms after a subsequent Covid-19 infection, with a significant portion facing lasting disabilities. Despite the alarming numbers, the lack of proper diagnosis and acknowledgment from healthcare providers, schools, and social services exacerbates the plight of affected families.
The testimonies of Harbinder and Jana shed light on the challenges faced by families dealing with Long Covid in children, emphasizing the dire need for recognition and support. As the debate continues, advocacy groups and affected families are urging authorities to prioritize the well-being of these “invisible children” and provide the necessary resources for their care and recovery.