Silent Struggle: Families Battle Long COVID’s Grip on Children

Long COVID is significantly impacting children's lives and families' finances in the UK. Parents face mounting debts as they resort to private healthcare due to insufficient public health support. Single parents struggle the most, and families are forced to make painful sacrifices to provide care.

LONDON, March 13 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Louise's son once thrived in outdoor adventures. Today, he navigates life housebound by long COVID. Like thousands, Louise battles financial strains and career sacrifices to care for him.

Sammie McFarland, founder of Long Covid Kids, reveals that families are selling homes to afford costs. Health inequities force them into private healthcare.

The UK government's pandemic response leaves parents frustrated. Lack of recognition for long COVID complicates welfare access. The charity Long Covid Kids pushes for research and improved school ventilation.

(With inputs from agencies.)