Covid: The number of people being referred to speech therapy DOUBLES after lockdown

Coronavirus: 'Prepare for another surge in winter' says Nabarro

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The rise has been driven by children with the lockdowns hampering their ability to speak properly.

Data published by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities shows 20 percent of children are not reaching expected standards by the age of two-and-a-half.

Chief executive of the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists Kamini Gadhok said they were “very worried” about how many toddlers were struggling to talk.

She added: “Our members tell us growing lists and waiting times for speech and language therapy are dramatically impacting on their ability to provide the support which children need for the best start in life.”

In response to the data the government said: “We are working hard to improve support for families.”

However, speech and language aren’t the only issues affecting the country’s young.

There are fears the COVID-19 lockdowns could be behind an outbreak in acute hepatitis cases among young people.

So far the outbreak, originating in Scotland, has spread to more than 12 countries and resulted in the deaths of a small number of children.

A number of theories have been put forward as to the likely cause of the outbreak; COVID-19 has now joined the list.

Researchers say the infection could have developed in the bodies of unvaccinated children.

Writing in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) they say some particles may have lingered in the gastrointestinal tract, triggering the infection.

The reason for the viruses’ ability to infect young children has been put down to some being unvaccinated and the spike protein in the virus acting as a “superantigen”.

As doctors battle this outbreak, there is growing concern from health campaigners too many children in the UK are obese.

Earlier this week the government delayed its plan to ban by one get one free deals on junk food in supermarkets.

In response to the announcement health campaigners such as TV chef Jamie Oliver have criticised the government.

The decision has been made to combat the cost of living crisis say government officials.

In a letter to the government Oliver said: ”At a time when child health has worsened over the pandemic so that now one in four children leave primary school with obesity… you are delaying policies that are both vital for levelling up and popular.”

OIiver adds it “is not too late to reconsider and protect the next generation rom diet-related disease”.

A healthy diet, along with exercise, is crucial to maintaining overall health.

While many adults go on health kicks in the build up to summer, it seems children’s health will come to the fore in a significant way.

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