Long COVID in Children and Adolescents  

Long COVID in Children and Adolescents

• WHO: definition for post COVID-19 condition in children and adolescents 

• History of probable or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection

• Symptoms last for at least 2 months and can’t be explained by an alternative diagnosis

• Symptoms started within 3 months from the onset of COVID-19

• Symptoms may persist after infection or be new onset after initial recovery

• Symptoms may fluctuate or relapse over time

• Symptoms impact everyday functioning

The Basic Facts About Long COVID in Children and Adolescents

• Over 200 documented symptoms

• Invisible illness, most symptoms are experienced internally

• Episodic disability

• Relapsing and remitting condition

• Symptoms impact everyday functioning

• There is no known treatment only “symptom management”

• Every re-infection increases risk

Common Symptoms

• Fatigue and exercise intolerance

• Gastrointestinal issues (stomach cramping, constipation and diarrhoea)

• Nausea and vomiting

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath

• Chest pain, chest pressure, heart palpitations

• Tachycardia (racing heart)

• Dizziness/fainting 

• Muscle and joint pain

• Changes in taste or smell

• Sleep disturbances, insomnia, and headaches or migraines

• Rashes of unknown cause

• Pins and needles or shocks in hands or feet

• Mood changes, depression, anxiety

• Meltdowns/inability to cope 

• Pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS)

• Post-COVID ADHD like syndrome (PCAS)

• Cognitive dysfunction 

(Difficulty concentrating, memory problems, slowed processing speed, word finding problems)