Long COVID is still poorly understood, yet it is evident that some children endure persistent symptoms long after their initial COVID-19 infection.
Throughout the pandemic, one of the few reassurances for parents has been the knowledge that COVID-19 generally causes mild symptoms in children and is rarely fatal. Research indicates that the mortality rate from COVID-19 in kids is less than 0.03%, with hospitalization rates below 2%. This may even be an overestimate since it often includes children admitted for other reasons who test positive for COVID. By early 2022, following the omicron surge, the CDC reported that approximately 75% of children had been infected. While most recover without complications, some continue to experience debilitating symptoms for weeks or even months post-infection.
Though relatively few children develop long COVID, the sheer number of infections means that those experiencing long-term symptoms is increasingly significant. There is currently no definitive diagnostic criterion for long COVID, which is linked to over 200 different symptoms, many of which are subjective and difficult to quantify, such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, and difficulty concentrating. A review of 14 studies published in The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal revealed considerable variation in reported symptoms and their duration among children. Notably, six studies indicated that older adolescents were more likely to report symptoms, while three studies found a higher prevalence among females.
Interestingly, among the five studies containing control groups (children who had not contracted COVID-19), three demonstrated that persistent symptoms were more common in those who had been infected. This suggests that the ongoing stress of the pandemic could contribute to some symptoms, complicating the identification of those directly linked to long COVID.
A comprehensive analysis of 21 studies from various continents found that one in four symptomatic children develop long COVID. In adults, around 30% of COVID-19 patients experience long-lasting symptoms, though the figures for children remain unclear. Still, both children and their parents recognize when something feels wrong. “I truly believe this is a largely undiagnosed issue,” said Dr. Olivia Jensen, who operates a long COVID pediatric clinic at Children’s Hospital in San Antonio.
Adding to the diagnostic challenges, children may present long COVID symptoms weeks after an asymptomatic infection, resulting in normal test results even when they are experiencing significant symptoms. Dr. Jensen noted cases where children struggle to attend school due to fatigue or cognitive issues, while others might experience heart palpitations or gastrointestinal problems. A common symptom reported is post-exertional malaise, where even a small amount of activity can lead to extreme fatigue. “It’s as if they have a limited amount of energy that must be carefully allocated for school, play, and even watching TV,” Dr. Emily Roberts, who manages a pediatric long COVID clinic at Children’s Hospital in Cleveland, explained.
Children with long COVID also face the challenge of having their symptoms sometimes dismissed by medical professionals. “They are often told, ‘It’s all in your head. You’re just feeling depressed,’” remarked Dr. Andrew Miller, a pediatric integrative medicine specialist. “However, we are seeing an increasing number of them. Not all kids are attempting to avoid school.”
While medical experts continue to unravel the complexities of long COVID in children and seek effective treatments, there are steps parents can take. First, advocate for your child if you suspect they are experiencing long COVID symptoms and find a provider who takes your concerns seriously. Second, ensure that your children are vaccinated, as the vaccine remains the most effective defense against the potential complications of long COVID. For more information on related topics, you might find this article about home insemination kits interesting, as well as resources on doulas from Intracervical Insemination, and insights on IVF from News Medical.
Summary
Long COVID in children is a concerning issue that, although affecting a smaller percentage of infected youths, is becoming more prevalent due to high infection rates. Symptoms can be varied and difficult to diagnose, often leading to challenges in treatment and support. Parents are encouraged to advocate for their children and ensure they receive vaccinations for better protection against long COVID.