Covid-19 infection has evolved to become milder but more infectious with time. However, long after the infection is resolved, the post-Covid syndrome, also known as Long Covid symptoms continues to affect a large number of survivors. A new study done on children between 6-17 age details common long Covid symptoms in the age group which range from debilitating headaches, sleep troubles, to stomach issues.
A new study funded by the National Institutes of Health that intends to inform families about the most common long Covid symptoms in school-age children and teenagers finds out the long-term effects of Covid infection that may last for six months and beyond.
For the study, 5,300 younger school-age children and teens from more than 60 healthcare facilities across the United States between March 2022 and December 2023 were involved.
Common long Covid symptoms in 6-11 year olds
Difficulty focusingChildren who survived Covid are more likely to face issues in concentrating while studying or doing their daily tasks which can significantly affect their learning and mental health.
Sleep problems
Difficulty in falling and staying asleep has been observed in children from 6-11 year age group which can affect several aspects of their well-being.
Stomach issues
Many children in this age group are reporting stomach pain and related issues as per the report published in JAMA.
Long Covid symptoms in teens from 12-17 years
FatigueResearchers found that one of the most common symptoms reported in adolescents and teenagers is fatigue. The condition is characterised by feeling overtired, having low energy and a strong desire to sleep that can interrupt with normal daily activities.
PainsChildren in this age groups are reporting headaches and other debilitating pain that may even require hospitalization or significant interruption in day-to-day activities.
Changes in taste and smell
This is another long Covid symptom that is being reported in teenagers of USA where they partially or fully lose their ability to taste or smell a food.
What is long Covid?
For the uninitiated, long Covid is a serious illness that can cause a range of chronic conditions. These symptoms of health issues can last weeks, months, or even years after Covid-19 illness. Anyone who has had a SARS-CoV-2 infection, may experience Long Covid, including children.
Covid-19 cases are surging in the US and the current rise in infections is mostly driven by FLirT variants - which is the combined name for KP.3, KP.3.1.1. and KP.2 sub variants. As per CDC data, KP.3.1.1 variant makes up for nearly 37% of the cases, while KP.3 is found in 17% of cases.
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