Michela Riva & Jordan Davies report on the challenges faced by young people grappling with long Covid symptoms, with many feeling neglected and struggling to access necessary NHS assistance. Kaylee, a 17-year-old gymnast with aspirations to compete internationally, contracted the virus on her 12th birthday. She continues to battle symptoms like dizziness and breathlessness, forcing her to step away from school and the sport she once loved. The Office for National Statistics estimates that two million individuals in the UK are grappling with long Covid.
Hailing from Cross Keys in Caerphilly county, Kaylee vividly remembers being confined to her bed for three days due to a sudden dizzy spell when she was 12. Despite her struggles, she was only diagnosed at the age of 13. Kaylee describes a range of symptoms including dizziness, breathlessness, sluggishness, chest pain, and brain fog. The initial support from the local health board’s Post-Covid Recovery service was positive, but Kaylee has not seen a specialist NHS doctor for two years, leaving her family frustrated.
Sarah, Kaylee’s mother, expresses disappointment over the lack of comprehensive care for her daughter, emphasizing the need for a more in-depth investigation into the root causes of long Covid. She criticizes the lack of research on how the condition affects children compared to adults and the deficient support available for young sufferers. Despite ongoing struggles, Kaylee’s parents have been funding specialist oxygen therapy in Bristol for the past five years to alleviate her breathing and energy issues. The uncertain road to recovery weighs heavily on Sarah, who laments her daughter’s pain and missed opportunities.
Bethan, a 20-year-old from Pontardawe in Neath Port Talbot, outlines her experience with long Covid, which began when she was 17 and left her with persistent symptoms even after her initial illness. She describes the challenges of accessing support, feeling caught between adult and pediatric services due to her age. Bethan’s perseverance shines through as she navigates her symptoms, pursuing her goals despite the setbacks. Swansea Bay University Health Board expresses regret over the perceived lack of support and offers avenues for Bethan to access specialized long Covid clinics through her GP
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