Understanding Long COVID in Children: Symptoms, Risks, and Prevention Tips

long covid

As various states report increases in COVID cases, parents and caregivers may be wondering how to keep their children safe from the short and long term impacts of COVID. 

 

Long COVID is not as common in children as it is in adults, but it can still have an impact on kids. 

 

According to Dr. Satyanarayan Hegde, pediatric pulmonology specialist and chief medical officer at Access Pediatric, studies estimate around 10 to 20 percent of children who have COVID-19 develop long COVID, with symptoms lasting at least four weeks after the infection. 

 

The most common respiratory symptoms in children during COVID-19 include:

  • Cough 
  • Chest Tightness
  • Shortness of breath 
  • Abnormal lung function 

 

“These symptoms often persist in cases of long COVID. Other respiratory issues such as difficulty with breathing and exercise intolerance have also been reported,” said Dr. Hegde. “Even children with normal lung function can experience persistent respiratory symptoms, and a small percentage may develop obstructive deficits.” 

 

Dr. Hegde says long COVID in children raises concerns because of the long-term health effects, the impact to multiple organ symptoms and the broad range of symptoms such as:

  • Fatigue
  • Cognitive impairment 
  • Respiratory issues 
  • Mental health problems 

 

“Children with pre-existing conditions, those from disadvantaged backgrounds, or those who had severe COVID-19 may be at higher risk of developing long COVID,” said Dr. Hegde. 

 

When it comes to respiratory issues specifically, even those without pre-existing conditions can have persistent symptoms, according to Dr. Hegde. 

 

“Some children experience long-term cough, chest pain, and difficulty breathing during physical activities. While most children recover lung function over time, some may have lasting changes, including obstructive deficits or paradoxical vocal cord motion dysfunction,” said Dr. Hegde. 

 

If this is something your child is experiencing, Dr. Hegde recommends consulting with a pediatric pulmonologist who can help get lung function and exercise tests to help diagnose lung conditions.

 

A recent study from the National Institutes of Health tracked kids who had COVID and those who did not. The odds of kids with long COVID reporting daytime tiredness, sleepiness or low energy were nearly 2.5 higher than kids who did not have long COVID. 

 

“Since these symptoms can affect their memory, and ability to focus, they have wide ranging implications on their schoolwork. The schools, teachers, and counselors need to be mindful of how this is affecting their students’ performances, and may need to consider special accommodations such as extra time to finish their homework assignments,” said Dr. Hegde. 

 

“The good news is, in most children these symptoms eventually resolve over time. In about five percent of cases, they may persist for more than six months.”

 

To best protect your child against long COVID, Dr. Hegde says to follow the guidance to prevent COVID-19 infection:

  • Vaccination
  • Good hygiene practices
  • Mask-wearing in high-risk areas 

 

Additionally, regular exercise, a healthy diet, and good sleep hygiene can help recover from problems due to excessive daytime tiredness, sleepiness, low energy and poor concentration, according to Dr. Hegde. 

 

“In a nutshell, while the vast majority of kids do not need any specialized intervention, some will need to see a pediatric specialist for an evaluation, diagnostics, and treatment,” he said. 

 

To schedule an appointment with a pediatric pulmonologist at Access Pediatric, click here