Pediatric Post-viral Illness and Long COVID Course

Synopsis

Many of us have had children in our classes tell us they have a headache, stomachache, or feel tired. Some children may return to school from having an illness and just don’t seem like themselves anymore. We would like to believe these symptoms are transitory and will pass. But what if they don’t? What if a child has a chronic illness? What do we, as educators, need to know about the lingering and long-term effects of post-viral illnesses (most recently Long COVID) to truly understand and help children who are experiencing long-term impacts? Most of all, what do we as educators need to know in order to “First, Do No Harm”?

This experiential presentation will first provide teachers and administrators with an overview of post-viral illness symptoms that children may experience and may not recover from. The primary symptoms include severe fatigue, post-exertional malaise, dysautonomia, headaches, cognitive dysfunction, lack of appetite, and mental health issues like PANS, anxiety, depression, and anorexia. We need to be mindful that traditional approaches to gradually increase endurance and exercise are contraindicated for these children, and know how to prevent harm.

Second, this presentation will focus on a compassionate approach to helping teachers integrate evidence-based best practice recommendations into all classes to support these children as they navigate through the challenges of recovery. Lived experience and case studies will be included to give you a sense of what these children are experiencing and what you may observe as a teacher. Recommendations to partner with parents and utilize internationally recommended best practice resources will be included. This workshop is aligned with a Comprehensive School Health approach and will benefit teachers and administrators of all grades.

Note: All administrators, grade levels and subject areas welcome

Venue