News
Long Covid in kids rarely last beyond 12 weeks: Study
Long Covid symptoms rarely persist beyond 12 weeks in children and adolescents, unlike adults, suggests a review.
The review, published in the Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal, analysed 14 international studies involving 19,426 children and adolescents who reported persistent symptoms following Covid-19.
The findings showed that long Covid among children is less common than feared.
The most common symptoms reported four to 12 weeks after acute infection were headache, fatigue, sleep disturbance, concentration difficulties, and abdominal pain.
“It is reassuring that there was little evidence that symptoms persisted longer than 12 weeks suggesting long Covid might be less of a concern in children and adolescents than in adults,” Nigel Curtis, Professor at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) in Melbourne, Australia.
A recent study, led by University College London and Public Health England researchers, showed that up to one in seven children and young people who caught SARS-CoV-2 may have symptoms linked to the virus about three months later.
Another study published in the journal Lancet Child and Adolescent Health in August noted that most children with Covid recover within a week, only a small percentage had long-term symptoms.
The study, by researchers at King’s College London, showed that less than one in 20 children with symptomatic Covid-19 experienced symptoms lasting longer than four weeks, and almost all children have fully recovered by eight weeks.
However, the existing studies on long Covid in children have not pointed to long-lasting symptoms, unlike adults. The most common symptoms reported in children have been headaches, tiredness (fatigue), a sore throat, and loss of smell (anosmia).
Reassuringly, there have been no reports of serious neurological symptoms such as fits or seizures, impaired concentration or attention, or anxiety.
Yet more studies are required to investigate the risk and impact of long Covid in young people to help guide vaccine policy decisions, said Curtis.
“The low risk posed by acute disease means that one of the key benefits of Covid vaccination of children and adolescents might be to protect them from long Covid,” he said. “An accurate determination of the risk of long Covid in this age group is therefore crucial in the debate about the risks and benefits of vaccination.”
Many countries, including the US, Canada, Denmark, Spain, France have rolled out Covid vaccinations for children aged 12 and above.
Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, met with a delegation from the World Food Programme (WFP) at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (11).
During the meeting, the WFP representatives agreed to continue their on-going programs in Sri Lanka without disruptions.
Although the food crisis in Sri Lanka has eased to some extent, the WFP officials expressed their willingness to extend further support through new programme whenever additional needs arise.
The WFP delegation included WFP Country Director Abdur Rahim Siddiqui, the Government Partnerships Officer Musthafa Nihmath and the Gerard Rebello , WFP Sri Lanka ‘s Deputy Country Director. Additional Secretary to the President, Roshan Gamage, also attended the meeting.
News
President directs officials to provide a monthly allowance of Rs. 3,000 to Pensioners from Next Week
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed officials of the Ministry of Finance to take necessary action to provide a monthly interim allowance of Rs. 3000 to all pensioners, from next week.
After reviewing the delay in adding the Rs. 3000 allowance to the October pension, the President directed that this amount be credited to the pensioners’ accounts within the next week.
These instructions were given during a meeting held on Thursday (10) afternoon at the Presidential Secretariat with senior officials of the Ministry of Finance, chaired by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
Despite the circular No. 02/2024 dated 2024/08/24 issued by the Public Administration Department to grant a monthly interim allowance of Rs. 3000 to all pensioners, funds were not allocated for this purpose.
Upon reviewing the matter, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake informed the officials of the Ministry of Finance to ensure that the required funds are provided.
Considering the hardships faced by pensioners due to the non-payment of the Rs. 3000 allowance with the October pension, and their subsequent requests, the President decided to proceed with the payment from this month, despite the prevailing financial difficulties of the government.
Since the October pension has already been credited to the pensioners’ accounts, the President instructed officials to ensure that the Rs. 3000 allowance is credited to their accounts within the next week, and from next month, this allowance will be added to the monthly pension.
Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardena and several senior officials from the Ministry of Finance were present at this meeting
[PMD]
The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy Sail Training Warship ‘PO LANG’ which arrived in Sri Lanka on 08th October 2024, departed the island today (11th October), on successful completion of its formal visit. The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ship at the Colombo port, following naval traditions.
While the ship was in Colombo, the crew took the opportunity to explore some of the country’s tourist attractions. They also participated in various programmes designed to foster camaraderie between the two navies. Moreover, Sri Lanka Navy personnel attended briefings on the operational functions of the visiting ship.
WFP Assures Continuous Support to Sri Lanka
President directs officials to provide a monthly allowance of Rs. 3,000 to Pensioners from Next Week
Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy Sail Training Warship ‘PO LANG’ departs Island
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