Safeguarding children with long-term conditions from COVID-19

Worryingly, there are reports that a number of children appear to be reacting to the new coronavirus by developing multisystem hyperinflammatory state with similar symptoms to that seen in toxic shock syndrome, necessitating intensive care (Campbell and Sample, 2020).

The COVID-19 pandemic is a worry for all parents because there are currently no vaccines against this pneumonic infection. Initially, there were reassurances that the disease primarily affected the frail elderly, but it is now known that coronavirus can infect people of all ages. These new reports citing a link between COVID-19 and a type of toxic shock in children make it especially worrying for parents of children with long-term health conditions and disabilities. In England, about 15% of children and young people have a long-term illness, many of whom will be at risk, especially those with respiratory conditions.

It is important to stress that many long-term conditions of childhood have emerged perhaps as a tribute to the success of modern medicine. This is because prior to the 20th century many long-conditions of childhood that are now commonly seen in contemporary society were not compatible with long life.