Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 September 2021
734. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Health the number of post Covid-19 clinics nationally; if any of these clinics are accepting children under 16 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44032/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra735. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Health the supports available for children and young adults currently experiencing long-term effects and impacts following a Covid-19 infection; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44033/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra736. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Health if there are any long or post Covid clinics for children in Ireland; if so, the locations of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44034/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 734, 735 and 736 together.
COVID-19 is a new disease so information on it, its features, incidence and its course are still emerging. Scientific and clinical evidence is evolving on the long-term effects of COVID-19. An increasing number of reports and studies are now being published on the topic; however, at present there is no agreement on the definition or the terminology.
It is recognised that persistent and prolonged symptoms can occur after acute COVID-19 infection in a proportion of patients, including in some patients who did not develop symptoms severe enough to require hospitalisation. My Department, through the Health Research Board, continues to fund research into the clinical impacts of COVID-19.
Patients with persistent symptoms following COVID-19 infection may be followed up by their GP or in hospital settings as clinically appropriate. People in the community who are concerned about persistent symptoms following Covid-19 should contact their GP in the first instance. Treatment is currently focused on management of specific symptoms.
Specific guidance on the treatment of 'Long COVID' is presently under development both here and internationally. You may wish to note that the HSE is currently recruiting for the position of an Implementation Lead to oversee the implementation of a national model of care.
COVID-19 in children is usually asymptomatic or manifests as a mild illness of short duration. However, concerns have been raised regarding prolonged illness in some children, with no clear resolution of symptoms several weeks after onset, as is observed in some adults and this is an area of ongoing research. Studies to date have identified that that long illness duration after SARS-CoV-2 infection in school-aged children does occur but is uncommon and less commonly than is reported in adults. In most studies of children affected, symptoms are reported to have resolved or significantly decreased over time, providing reassurance about long-term outcomes. Additionally, studies suggest that the symptom burden in children with what has been termed long COVID-19 was not greater than that in children with long illnesses due to causes other than SARS-CoV-2 infection.
The HSE is currently assessing need and the best way to care for those impacted by Long COVID to ensure the appropriate supports are in place. As part of this work on post-COVID care, the HSE is examining how it can model the possible numbers that will be affected, noting that this will take time as more evidence emerges. I understand that the HSE has also been in touch with a group of people who are suffering post-COVID symptoms to inform understanding.
The Department of Health will continue to develop an understanding of the implications of Long COVID to inform policy as appropriate.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
