Long Covid: The dramatic consequences for children and adolescents in Rhineland-Palatinate

Long Covid: The dramatic consequences for children and adolescents in Rhineland-Palatinate

Corona pandemic not only affected the health of many people worldwide, but also left deep emotional scars. An investigation into the five -year existence of pandemic shows that the majority of the population has survived the time relatively lightly. Nevertheless, numerous people continue to fight with serious long-term consequences that are known as long-covid.

An example is the 15-year-old Theo Astor from Rhineland-Palatinate, who experienced a drastic turn in his life through his Corona disease in March 2022. Theo, who sits in a wheelchair, was bedridden for two years and, despite his wish, could not go to school or fire brigade. After his illness, he developed muscle pain, stomach problems and permanent exhaustion. In June 2022 he collapsed and became a case of care, now suffering from a severe form of chronic fatigue syndrome. In Rhineland-Palatinate, around 17,500 people are affected by similar health restrictions three months after a Covid 19 disease, such as SWR reported.

long-term consequences of long-covid

Treatment of long-covid is difficult. Dr. Astrid Weber, head of the outpatient Corona competence center in Koblenz, mentions that between 0.4 and 3 percent of the population can develop long-covid. Waiting lists in treatment centers are increasing steadily, while the symptoms vary greatly. While older patients often suffer from heart and lung diseases, chronic tiredness and psychological problems such as fear and depression are often observed in younger people. Treatment is currently mainly focusing on symptoms such as fatigue and sleep problems, although there are no specific drugs against long-covid. Dr. Weber urgently demands more financial resources for research and faster studies in this area.

In particular, children and adolescents are affected by the negative consequences of pandemic. A study by the Hamburg-Eppendorf University Hospital has shown that the mental health of this age group has deteriorated significantly. An increase in fear of school, loneliness and depression was found. At the same time, there are no uniform standards for the diagnosis and treatment of long-covid, which also makes the situation more difficult. The variety of symptoms often requires individual treatment approaches, depending on the prevailing complaints, such as AOK

effects on mental health

Pandemic has also massively affected the psychological well -being of the population. Studies show that the risk of mental disorders has increased significantly due to restrictions and social isolation. Psychotherapists play a central role here by specifically responding to the social effects. Infections with the coronavirus increase the risk of psychological problems, especially in people with previous illnesses and younger age groups. The number of scientific publications on Covid-19 has increased significantly since the beginning of the pandemic. Nevertheless, it becomes clear that the resources of health authorities are insufficiently invested in psychosocial care.

The results of a survey in Germany show that only 10% of the respondents positively evaluate the pandemic, while 36% emphasize negative effects. This illustrates the considerable psychological stress that many people experience through - especially through social isolation and quarantine experiences. Psychopractic measures must go into the different groups and their specific needs during this time to secure public health.

Finally, it can be said that the long-term consequences of the Covid 19 pandemic are noticeable in many areas of life. Documentary filmmakers Sascha Becker, who documents urgent symptoms and personal fates that are still suffering from the consequences, also emphasizes the need to openly talk about one's own experiences and to work up the various facets of pandemic.