Just when we thought we were past the danger of COVID, new variants have emerged, spreading fear among the masses. The country has been seeing a rise in cases, with 104 active cases in the national capital out of 1010. While the infection leads to respiratory symptoms for a few days, some serious consequences may last longer than expected. Researchers have now turned their gaze to a much smaller demographic: children.
Yes, long COVID is not just an adult thing. It turns out kids, too, can experience the virus's lingering after-effects, though these symptoms can be easy to overlook.
So, what exactly is long COVID?
Put simply, it is when the symptoms of COVID-19 hang around for weeks or even months after the initial infection. And while adults often describe it as a foggy, exhausting experience, the way it manifests in children is a little more complex.
A recent study published in JAMA Paediatrics has taken a closer look at this. The research focused on nearly 1,000 children across the United States, specifically 472 infants and toddlers and 539 preschool-aged kids. The symptoms were not uniform; they varied according to age, which makes sense given that what is “normal” for a baby can already feel like a permanent state of emergency.
In children under the age of two, researchers at Mass General Brigham found that long COVID symptoms often slip under the radar. Think poor appetite, trouble sleeping, a dry cough, a stuffy nose and general crankiness. But if these signs persist, they might be something more than just teething woes.
Preschoolers aged three to five, on the other hand, tended to show signs like a nagging dry cough, daytime fatigue and low energy. So, if your usually hyperactive little one suddenly transforms into a silent one, it is worth a second look.
The study did not just stop at symptoms; it also revealed a darker side to long COVID’s impact. Children with persistent symptoms often reported worse overall health, delays in development, and a lower quality of life.
So, who’s more at risk?
The usual suspects include children who had a severe bout of COVID-19, those who developed multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C), and those with pre-existing health issues like obesity, diabetes, lung disease or high blood pressure.
Unvaccinated kids are also more likely to experience long-term effects. Curiously, the study noted that girls were slightly more prone to developing long COVID than boys.
For parents and carers, do not dismiss the signs. If your child seems off, even in ways that feel familiar, it is worth having a chat with your paediatrician. Because even if COVID slowly fades away, long COVID is a reminder that the road to full recovery, especially for our youngest ones, still needs a bit of caution.
