"Debilitating and scary" What do we really know about Long Covid in children?
Group of parents call for better understanding of long term effects of coronavirus in children
A group of parents is calling for more research into the long term impact Coronavirus might have on children.
Norfolk Community Health and Care is working to support people of all ages in the county who are suffering with Long Covid - and Alison Coxon from the service says there doesn't seem to be a pattern in who will get a more long-term illness.
She said:
"We've seen people of all ages coming in with Long Covid and who are struggling to adapt back to normal life. They're struggling with shortness of breath, extreme fatigue and brain fog to name a few - all of which are making daily life almost impossible."
At the moment, there is still not enough data to fully understand the impact so-called "Long Covid" has on people of all ages.
Stats from the ONS suggest around 1 in 5 people still has symptoms five weeks after picking up the virus.
When it comes to children after the same period of time:
- 13% of 2-11 year olds still have symptoms
- 15% of 12-16 year olds still have symptoms
Parents we've spoken to say in children, symptoms have emerged that don't match those we're told to look out for in adults, such as a cough and loss of taste and smell.
WATCH: Mum Frances Simpson tells Senior Correspondent Mick Coyle about the impact coronavirus had on her son and daughter
What might Long Covid in children look like?
Frances Simpson from Long Covid Kids says: "We have children who are in wheelchairs, we have children who've developed Tourette's, new-onset seizures and some very scary symptoms, and we think there needs to be a conversation around that for us to make safe choices about our schools and our children."
Schools reopened on Monday 8th March for Primary and Secondary pupils, with enhanced measures in place to restrict the spread of the virus, and identify who is carrying it in the classroom or at home.
Frances is concerned schools aren't trained to spot some of the signs children might be feeling the effects of Long Covid. Her son and daughter both developed new symptoms after she picked up the virus last March.
"My son complained of having testicular pain, which I dismissed, he had insomnia, where he couldn't sleep for days, which was very strange. Then my daughter became ill with a sore throat, this turned into an ear infection and she couldn't get out of bed for six weeks. She was really pale and couldn't eat."
How long might symptoms last?
Frances says both she and her children have felt the effects of the virus at regular intervals for the last year: "My son would be ok for a few days, then he'd often get a metal taste in his mouth. He had a seizure at one point and he developed "Alice in Wonderland" syndrome where his visual perceptions changed. My daughter has had terrible rashes, she's had problems breathing, at one point she felt like her throat was closing up. She frequently feels nauseous and tired. It changes shape and it comes and it goes, it can go away for a week or two then it'll come back again."
Overall symptoms in children who get Covid are milder than in adults, and lead to fewer hospitalisations.
But, paediatric services are receiving referrals for children with symptoms suggestive of Long Covid, and work is being carried out to help define the symptoms, and create a model so that children can be treated.
What is the Department of Health saying about this?
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said:
“We are working with the UK’s leading scientists on an ongoing basis to improve our collective understanding of the knock on effects of long-Covid and to make sure we have the best treatments available – including the impact it has on all ages.
“New specialist long-Covid NHS clinics have opened across the country, providing assessment for adults, children and young people alike. These clinics will be play an invaluable role by helping medical experts to assess, diagnose and treat thousands of people suffering with the debilitating long-term health implications of this virus.”
Anyone concerned about their child's health should contact their GP.
Back to School Gallery: Eight tips to make things easier
Don't leave it until the last minute
Use the last week of home-schooling to prepare your children for their return to school. According to our expert Nicola, getting the kids gradually back into a routine of early nights and early mornings will help to ease pressure during the first week back, as could minimising screen time. Having an open conversation with your child about these changes to routine can help them to understand that you are doing it to help them.
Packing PE kits and lunches beforehand will also help to alleviate stress for both you and your child, and checking that uniforms still fit will help to ensure your child is as comfortable as possible come Monday.
Talk them through what school might look like
Talking your child through what school will look like can help prepare them for the new environment. This could be presented to them as a story, explaining that they will enter the classroom and wash their hands, and that their teacher will be wearing a mask.
Keep school discussions positive
It is important to keep conversations about school positive and reassuring. Remind your children that they will get to see their friends and have fun! Try to avoid conversations about working hard or catching up on work. After months of being told that staying away from school will help keep people safe, it may also help to emphasise that school is a safe environment to ease anxiety about returning.
Talk to the school
It is important to inform the school of problems that may be going on at home to ensure they can deal with different issues sensitively. Nicola suggests contacting the school before Monday to update staff on any issues that have may have impacted your child's mental health, such as bereavement, serious illness or separation.
Make a worry box
Using creativity can be a great way to help a child express their concerns about returning to school. Nicola suggests making a worry box for primary aged kids to help them talk through and alleviate their anxieties. Similarly, a worry monster toy could be used as a prop to encourage children to open up about their feelings on returning to school.
Watch a film on Sunday
Nicola suggests watching a film as a family the day before school's return to promote a sense of togetherness which might help to reduce children's anxiety and lead to a better night's sleep.
Trust your child's resilience!
Kids are very resilient, so any worries they might have probably won't impact them as negatively as you expect. Nicola highlights that it is important that parents don't project their own worries onto their children. She says: "Remember they have been used to this new way of schooling for nearly a year. Children are far more resilient than we give them credit for!"
Leave time for you
It's not just the kids who are anxious about the return to school; the months of home schooling has taken a toll on parents and carers too. Nicola compares preparing your kids for school with an emergency on a plane: "when we go on an aeroplane, the parent is asked to put their oxygen mask on first! It is not selfish to put your needs first." Looking after your own mental health can actually improve your parenting, with Nicola adding: "When you're in a better place mentally, you are naturally a better parent."