Our Pacing and Management Guide has been a critical and well-received part of our #StopRestPace campaign and we have been planning on adapting it specifically for children and teens. The Long Covid Families team brought in exactly what we needed to help bring this modified guide into fruition. 

As many children are heading back to school, it’s imperative that educators and caregivers are equipped with the tools to help children who are struggling with post-exertional malaise (PEM) as part of ME and/or Long COVID. This guide is meant to equip children and caregivers of children with ME or Long COVID with the tools they need to help their child learn how to pace their activity. Pacing is the number one tool for post-exertional malaise, or PEM: one of the core symptoms of Long COVID and the defining symptom of myalgic encephalomyelitis / chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). PEM is a flare of symptoms and/or the appearance of new symptoms after exertion, often presenting 24 hours after the triggering event. Physical and cognitive activity or sensory overload can all trigger PEM.

Pacing is key for avoiding “crashes,” and can be combined with radical rest and recovery time to prevent a worsening of symptoms. We realize Stop/Rest/Pace is easier to say than to do. That is why our guide offers practical insight on how to recognize PEM, strategies for most effectively managing activity, and suggestions on how to accommodate children with ME/CFS and Long COVID in school. 

Looking for more insights into managing Back-To-School with Long Covid and/or ME? Check out the Long Covid Families Back-To-School Virtual Event next week, August 8-12, 2022! 

Thank you to Long Covid Families for their efforts and excellent allyship! Thank you to everyone who shares our #StopRestPace campaign and pacing guides to help get the word out to those who need to hear this critical message now! Help us get this pediatric guide into the hands of those who need it!