New network improves long-covid supply for children in Worms

Das Klinikum Worms etabliert sich im neuen Netzwerk zur Unterstützung von Kindern und Jugendlichen mit Long Covid in Rheinland-Pfalz.
The Worms Clinic is established in the new network to support children and young people with Long Covid in Rhineland-Palatinate. (Symbolbild/ANAG)

New network improves long-covid supply for children in Worms

On April 30, 2025, a press release announced that a new network of competence centers in Germany will be launched in Germany to improve the care of children and adolescents with Long Covid. The Clinic Worms plays a central role in the nationwide pednet-LC network. The aim of the project is to establish a contact point for Long Covid and the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) in Rhineland-Palatinate.

The network is intended to offer structured and near -home support for affected families through interdisciplinary cooperation. Markus Knuf, chief physician of the Clinic for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, commented on the planned specialized care and emphasized the need for a comprehensive care for young patients.

overview of the project

as part of a from Federal Ministry of Model Projekt should be more than 30 specialized supply centers be built. The University Medicine Mainz will also actively participate in this important project.

Long-term consequences of Covid-19, especially Long Covid, can strongly influence all areas of life of children and adolescents. It is therefore crucial that relatives play an important role in support in the everyday life of those affected. Dealing with Long Covid requires comprehensive strategies for coping with simple beneficial activities to specific relaxation techniques.

strategies for everyday life

The recommended coping strategies include, for example, concentration on beneficial activities, such as listening to radio plays or playing board games. Learning relaxation techniques, such as yoga or mindfulness -based stress reduction, can also be helpful. In the case of shortness of breath or circulatory problems, breathing and circulatory exercises are displayed.

Another important aspect is pacing, which helps children and adolescents with Long Covid to divide their strength better. This practice is based on the "spoon theory", according to which every person has only a limited number of "spoons" to energy per day. Leading a diary to observe behavior and physical reactions can also be useful.

aids and social support

aids such as sunglasses, blindfolding or noise-canceling headphones can make everyday life considerably easier. In more severe cases, special aids such as a shower chair or an electric wheelchair may be required. Pediatricians offer advice on the cost of costs for such aids.

The social and mental support of relatives is of great importance for affected children and adolescents. It is important to maintain contact with the same age and avoid social exclusion. Activities should be organized in such a way that they are also possible with fatigue states, for example through short meetings or virtual chats.

Overall, the support of those affected by an understanding environment is crucial in order to successfully master the challenges of Long Covid. Relatives should also be willing to clarify the disease and, if necessary, consult self -help groups to prevent social isolation.

The development of the Pednet LC network marks an important step towards better care for children and adolescents with Long Covid in Germany. The interdisciplinary point of contact in the Worms Clinic will play an important role.

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