Brandenburg discusses urgent help for children with Long COVID!

Brandenburg discusses urgent help for children with Long COVID!

In Potsdam on Wednesday at 10 a.m. there will be an exciting exchange about the care of children and young people with Long COVID-like illnesses. The Committee for Health and Social Affairs of the Brandenburg State Parliament is organizing a technical discussion that can be followed via livestream on the state parliament's website. Experts, including Nadine Degelmann from NichtGenesenKids e.V. and numerous medical professionals, are taking part. The complete agenda and links to the broadcast can be found on the website of the Brandenburg State Parliament, like landtag.brandenburg.de reported.

The topic is of great importance because long and post COVID also affects the youngest members of our society. While SARS-CoV-2 infections are mild or even asymptomatic in many children, some may experience long-term symptoms that appear weeks after infection. One study found that around 2 to 3.5% of children and adolescents suffering from COVID-19 suffer from Long COVID. Girls, those with previous illnesses and children with severe disease are particularly important, as the Long COVID platform shows ( long-covid-plattform.de ).

Symptoms and support for those affected

The most common symptoms of Long COVID are fatigue, difficulty concentrating, headaches and smell problems. Psychological problems such as anxiety can also occur. Support for the children and young people affected is particularly important. The first point of contact if Long COVID is suspected should be the pediatrician's office or family doctor's office. Diagnostics and, if necessary, referrals to specialists are offered there, as drug treatments for Long COVID in children and adolescents are not yet sufficiently established ( long-covid-plattform.de ).

Since many symptoms subside within weeks, physical rest is recommended. NHS clinics and similar facilities now offer special rehabilitation services for those affected to regain their strength and cope with everyday life.

Nationwide care initiatives

In order to improve the care structure for young patients with Long COVID, the PEDNET-LC network was created. The aim of this project is to create specialized care centers nationwide. This also requires better diagnostics and therapy, which is unique in Germany. Institutions involved include renowned clinics and universities, including the University Hospital of Cologne and the Charité. Affected families are also included in this planning, which speaks for a practical and patient-oriented development ( bundesgesundheitsministerium.de ).

The next steps include setting up a knowledge platform and conducting clinical studies to optimize the supply situation. These diverse measures are intended to ensure that affected children and young people are better supported in the future.

Overall, it is clear that the care structures for children and young people with Long COVID require intensive exchange and continuous improvements. The upcoming discussions in Potsdam are an important step in this direction.