Abstract

Post-Acute-COVID is a contemporary and adaptive syndrome with a multisystem effect on the body, prolonging the traditional COVID-19 symptoms. Since the global outbreak of COVID-19, over 12.7 million individuals under 18 have tested positive for the virus. Children without pre-existing conditions tend to present asymptomatic or with acute symptoms; however, some pediatric patients continue to experience chronic symptoms comparable to those seen in adults, weeks or years following the contraction, becoming known as COVID long haulers. The most prevalent symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, and difficulty concentrating. Utilizing phenomenological and qualitative content analysis, the study investigates (1) the impact of post-COVID-19 syndrome on children and adolescents' daily lives, (2) the effects of the virus on growth and development, and (3) the similarity between post-infection symptoms of COVID-19 and those experienced following Russian Influenza and the Spanish Flu. As society continues to prioritize vaccination, disease eradication, and contact tracing of COVID-19, the long-term effects of COVID-19 are under-reported in media and studies, especially data revealing the impact on children and adolescents. This project aims to evaluate the effect that Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome has on the youth population, highlighting the underrepresented personal experiences and demonstrating the significance of the disease by evaluating the long-term impacts of comparative pandemics.