NHS to launch Long Covid services for children and young people in England

The NHS is set to launch Long Covid services for children and young people in England.

The health service in England has announced that it is to launch 15 paediatric hubs to help families and GPs.

The hubs will bring together experts on common symptoms such as respiratory problems and fatigue who can directly treat children, advise family doctors or others caring for them or refer them into other specialist services and clinics.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), more than one million people have reported suffering from Long Covid, with symptoms of including shortness of breath, “brain fog” and extreme fatigue.

Although children are less likely to suffer the severe effects of Covid-19, some have suffered long-term after effects.

ONS data also suggests that 7.4% of children aged two to 11 and 8.2% of those aged 12-16 report continued Covid symptoms.