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School’s Out… But Long Covid Doesn’t Take a Holiday
Summer holidays are here. For many families, that means a welcome break from school runs, packed lunches and the usual routine.
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But Long Covid doesn’t take a summer break.
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Six weeks at home can mean children around all day, disrupted routines, days out, travel, warmer weather and the inevitable question: “What are we doing today?”
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When you’re managing fluctuating energy, fatigue or other Long Covid symptoms, or when a child in the family is living with Long Covid; summer can require a different kind of planning.
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This month, we’re looking at ways to make summer work with your energy rather than against it: practical ideas for days out and travelling, recognising when children may be taking on caring responsibilities, and some of the latest research into Long Covid in children and young people.
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Because a good summer doesn’t have to mean doing everything. Sometimes it’s about finding what works for your family.
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Summer, Your Way: Making Days Out and Travel More Manageable
Summer plans don’t have to disappear because of Long Covid, but they may need to look a little different.
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Days out and holidays can involve much more energy than we realise — getting ready, travelling, walking, queuing, changes in routine and then getting home again. A little planning can help make things more manageable.
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A few things that may help
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- Plan around energy, not just time
Getting ready and travelling use energy too. Build in rest and breaking activities into smaller parts can help with energy management. The Royal College of Occupational Therapists recommends a pace, plan and prioritise approach to managing limited energy. Source: Royal College of Occupational Therapists – Managing Energy
- Keep plans flexible
Choose activities that can be shortened or changed, and have a quieter Plan B if symptoms fluctuate. Source: NHS – Long Covid Rehabilitation: Pacing and Activity
- Make travel work for you
Planning ahead can make travelling with a chronic illness more manageable. The ME Association has specific travel guidance for people with ME/CFS and Long Covid, covering planning, accommodation, journeys, airport and station assistance, travel insurance and checklists. Source: ME Association – Travel with ME/CFS and Long Covid
- Keep essentials close
Medication, water, snacks and anything else you regularly rely on are easier to manage when they’re accessible rather than packed away. Source: ME Association – Travel with ME/CFS and Long Covid
- Be mindful of the heat
Plan for shade, hydration and rest, particularly during very hot weather.. Source: ME Association – Coping with Hot Weather
- And remember the journey home
Leave some energy for getting home and allow recovery time afterwards, particularly if activity can trigger delayed worsening of symptoms.. Source: NHS – Long Covid Rehabilitation: Pacing and Activity
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A good day out doesn’t have to mean doing everything you planned. Sometimes it means enjoying what was manageable and knowing when you’ve done enough.
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Please note: These are general suggestions and may not be appropriate for everyone. Long Covid symptoms and individual needs vary. Please follow advice from your healthcare team and seek medical advice if you are concerned about new or worsening symptoms.
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🔬 Research of the Month
What New Research Is Revealing About Long Covid in Children
Three things recent research is telling us
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1. Long Covid may not be the same in every child
A May 2026 study followed 74 children and adolescents with severe Long Covid and identified different patterns in immune and metabolic markers over time. The findings suggest that paediatric Long Covid may involve different biological subgroups, rather than one single disease pathway.
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This is important because understanding these differences could eventually help researchers develop more targeted approaches to monitoring and treatment. The researchers emphasise that the findings need validation in independent groups before they can be translated into clinical practice. Source: Vilser et al. (2026), Nature Communications
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2. Long Covid can affect school as well as health
A 2026 RECOVER study involving 1,976 children and adolescents found that those with Long Covid were more than twice as likely to have worsening grades compared with those without Long Covid.
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3. Everyday functioning is becoming an important research focus
New research is increasingly looking beyond individual symptoms to understand what Long Covid means for a child's everyday life. A July 2026 study examined functional outcomes among children and young people across 21 children's hospitals, reflecting this growing focus on how Long Covid affects day-to-day functioning. Source: Case et al. (2026), Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine
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Key takeaway: New research is moving beyond simply describing symptoms towards understanding the biology of paediatric Long Covid and its impact on children's everyday lives.
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SHH-UK in Action
Our SafeAir4All FOI Project Is Underway
Our SafeAir4All Freedom of Information project is gathering information from NHS Trusts across England to better understand how healthcare organisations are assessing and managing the risks associated with airborne infection.
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We’re looking at measures including ventilation assessments, CO₂ monitoring, air filtration, respiratory protective equipment (RPE), and infection prevention and control policies.
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As responses come in, we’ll analyse what they tell us about current practice, highlighting examples of good practice, identifying areas where improvements may be needed and developing evidence-based recommendations.
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Why does this matter?
Healthcare workers and patients deserve environments that reduce avoidable infection risk. By building a clearer picture of what is happening across NHS organisations, we hope to support greater transparency and help strengthen approaches to safer indoor air.
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Watch this space: We’ll share what we learn as the project develops.
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Meet the Volunteer : Damilola "Dammy" Yusuf
Meet Dammy, one of SHH-UK’s volunteers.
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With more than 17 years’ experience in operations and customer service across banking support, analytics and back-office administration, Dammy brings extensive experience in improving service delivery and operational processes.
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Having recently relocated to the UK, she was keen to use her skills to create meaningful change in her new community.
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At SHH-UK, Dammy hopes to help strengthen administrative systems, improve communications and insights, and contribute to programmes that raise awareness and build stronger support networks for healthcare workers.
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“My goal is to help SHH-UK grow its influence and effectiveness, ensuring that every initiative delivers greater value to the healthcare community.”
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We’re delighted to have you as part of the SHH-UK team, Dammy!
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Peer support groups
You Don’t Have to Navigate Long Covid Alone
Living with Long Covid can feel isolating. Our free online support groups offer healthcare workers a welcoming space to connect with others who understand.
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There’s no pressure to speak, you’re welcome to simply listen, and you can attend as often or as little as you wish.
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If you have any questions, or would like us to send you a reminder the day before each meeting, please email supportgroup@shh-uk.org.
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Coming Up
Tuesday 25 August at 11am – Crafts & Conversation
Bring along your knitting, crochet, colouring, sewing or any other craft project and enjoy an informal chat with others living with Long Covid.
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Looking Ahead to September
Thursday 3rd September at 7.00pm - Return to Work Support Group
Our monthly evening group for healthcare workers with Long Covid who are back at work or preparing to return.
Tuesday 8th September at 11am – Coffee & Chat
An informal social group open to all healthcare workers with Long Covid. Grab a drink and join us for a relaxed conversation.
Tuesday 15 September at 11am – Cognitive Dysfunction Support Group
Our quarterly group for healthcare workers experiencing cognitive difficulties ('brain fog'). Share experiences, coping strategies and support in an understanding environment.
Tuesday 22 September at 11am – General Support Group
Open to all healthcare workers living with Long Covid, whatever stage of your journey.
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All of our support groups are free to attend and take place online via Microsoft Teams.
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However Summer Looks for You, You;re Not Alone
Long Covid can make plans unpredictable, and summer may look different from the one you imagined. Whether you’re managing your own symptoms, supporting someone you care about, or simply finding a different pace this year, small moments still matter.
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From everyone at SHH-UK, we hope you find some time for rest, connection and moments of enjoyment this summer.
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