Pediatric
Long Covid
Pediatric
Long Covid
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ediatric Long Covid is characterized by the persistence of several symptoms for at least three months after the initial infection.
It affects children's ability to carry out their daily activities, such as playing or going to school.
Some children may not show any symptoms at the time of the initial infection, which may have affected their parents, and others may have never even had a positive test.
For some, the symptoms persist without ever fully disappearing. Others may experience temporary improvement before the symptoms return.
Research has identified over 40 possible symptoms associated with Long Covid in children and young adults.
Each child may present a different combination, making each case unique. These symptoms are so new that sometimes those around the child may not realize that the child is changing, or may mistake these changes for behavioral issues.
It is impossible to predict the duration of the illness with precision. Some children may recover in a few months, while others may experience symptoms for a longer period, or intermittently over several years.
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These challenges require tailored care to allow them to continue learning under the best possible conditions.
Fatigue and pain: Persistent fatigue and chronic pain make it difficult to follow a full schedule.
Fluctuating capacity: Their condition can vary greatly, with "normal" days followed by relapses where symptoms intensify.
Concentration problems: These students struggle to follow along in class or to read and understand long texts.
Short-term memory problems: Tasks are often forgotten or incomplete, and new information is difficult to retain.
Slowed processing of information: Assimilating, analyzing, and responding to instructions takes longer, making exams and assessments more challenging.
Sensory hypersensitivity: Noises in the classroom or hallways can trigger sensory overload.
Physical limitations: Climbing stairs, standing, sitting for long periods, or moving frequently can worsen symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, or nausea.
The fatigue reduces social interactions, and the most severely affected students may lose all connection with their peers.
Reinfections and co-infections: Any illness, whether a reinfection with COVID-19 or other common infections, can worsen their condition.
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The Effects of Long Covid on Children & Adolescents
W
hile the majority of young patients recover quickly, some continue to suffer from symptoms that persist for weeks, months, or even years. Pediatric Long Covid represents a complex condition that deeply impacts the physical and mental health of young patients.
Each patient may present a different combination, making each case unique.
These symptoms can significantly affect daily life.
Since the child may minimize the symptoms associated with this illness, their diagnosis is often difficult.
For healthcare professionals, the sudden onset of school difficulties without an obvious cause should raise the question of potential pediatric Long Covid.
The Challenges of School for Children with Long Covid: Personalized Support and Adaptation
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ttending a full school day represents a real challenge for children and adolescents with Long Covid.
LUCIE, 12 YEARS OLD - PROVINCE OF LUXEMBOURG
Suffers from fluctuating symptoms, with normal periods and others more complicated, where she is unable to stand, sometimes requiring hospitalization. Exposure to the virus reactivates her dizziness when she engages in sports. Periods of fatigue represent a real social and academic handicap for her.
ALEXANDRE, 15 YEARS OLD - BELGIUM
Suffers from intense fatigue and has difficulty concentrating in class. He attends school part-time, which harms his relationships with his peers. Suffering from exercise intolerance, after an exam or a long school day, he is bedridden, exhausted, nauseous, and with headaches.
LISE, 12 YEARS OLD - BELGIUM
Suffers from frequent fatigue, significant difficulties with concentration and memory, making schoolwork very challenging and exhausting. Despite this, she fights courageously to continue her education as normally as possible and stay with her friends, having to rest for 24 hours every weekend.
SARAH, 16 YEARS OLD - BRUSSELS
Is so ill that she remains bedridden and cannot attend in-person classes or maintain a social life with her friends.
For students, education must be adapted to their health condition. This requires education professionals to show empathy, flexibility, and pragmatism.
Any overload, whether physical or mental, can worsen their symptoms and compromise their recovery. It is therefore essential to adjust school activities according to each student's specific abilities, while taking into account the fluctuating nature of their condition.
An alternative approach to fully in-person education should be considered. The way they are assessed should also be personalized. They should be allowed to rest in class or within the school grounds.
In all cases, the student must be listened to because only they know how they feel and what they are capable of doing.
How to Identify and Support a Child or
Adolescent with Potential Long Covid
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Talk to the child, note what they are feeling, and observe when their symptoms started, as well as when they feel better.
Trust them. Even though they are young, they may be experiencing profound suffering due to the changes they are going through.
Don't hesitate to consult a healthcare professional (general practitioner, pediatrician) to discuss these concerns.
Before your appointment, take the time to assess the changes in the child: how were they before, and how are they now? Note their symptoms and any factors that seem to influence their condition. Your notes will be valuable in helping the doctor establish a diagnosis.
Healthcare professionals may suggest treatments to relieve some symptoms and monitor the child’s health condition. They will keep you informed about new treatment options available.
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SYMPTOMS
The symptoms of Long Covid can vary in intensity and duration, impacting the quality of life of young patients.
These symptoms can significantly affect daily life. Since the child may minimize the symptoms associated with this illness, their diagnosis is often difficult.
PASC comprises a heterogeneous collection of symptoms and conditions that can affect any organ system. A summary of some of the more common presentations is outlined below. February 2024
Postacute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 in Children
Conditions
Conditions
Conditions
Conditions
Multidisciplinary Care for Long Covid
in Belgium
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ultidisciplinary Care
Once the diagnosis is made, the doctor determines, with the parents and the child, the necessary care, based on available needs and scientific knowledge.
The clinical diagnosis of Long Covid can be made directly, and the care pathway established by INAMI since December 1, 2022, can be activated.
If the involvement of other healthcare professionals is considered, the necessary prescriptions must be made in consultation with the family for the relevant providers.
If a specialist develops the treatment plan, it must be communicated to the general practitioner to ensure ongoing monitoring and continuous care for the child.
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LONG COVID CARE PATHWAY
Using the provided link, you will access the details of the protocol, as well as the steps to follow for support and care through the mutual insurance services.
La Mutualité Neutre
Mutualité chrétienne
Mutualité Partenamut
Solidaris
Scientific Article
The WHO definition of post Covid-19 condition for adults was published in October 2021. This enables a shared understanding of this important problem between people affected by post Covid-19 condition, healthcare workers, researchers and other stakeholders.
A separate clinical case definition for children and adolescents has been formed, through a process of expert consensus, which recognizes the unique health needs and challenges of this group of people.
A clinical case definition for post COVID-19 condition in children and adolescents by expert consensus, 16 February 2023
The objective of this systematic review and meta-analyses is to estimate the prevalence of long-COVID in children and adolescents and to present the full spectrum of symptoms present after acute COVID-19.
The literature search yielded 8373 publications, of which 21 studies met the inclusion criteria, and a total of 80,071 children and adolescents were included.
The prevalence of long-COVID was 25.24%, and the most prevalent clinical manifestations were mood symptoms (16.50%), fatigue (9.66%), and sleep disorders (8.42%). Children infected by SARS-CoV-2 had a higher risk of persistent dyspnea, anosmia/ageusia, and/or fever compared to controls.
Long-COVID in children and adolescents:
a systematic review and meta-analyses
Published: 23 June 2022
https://www.nature.com/
This article titled Postacute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 in Children explores the long-term effects of COVID-19 in children. It highlights the various symptoms and challenges children face post-infection, particularly focusing on neurological, respiratory, and cognitive issues. It also examines the medical and therapeutic interventions currently in place to address these persistent conditions, providing insights into the ongoing research and care needed for affected children.
February 07 2024
Postacute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 in Children
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
This study aims to develop and validate the Post-COVID Symptom Scale for Children/Youth (PCSS-C/Y), which is a comprehensive tool for measuring the symptom burden of post-COVID-19 conditions-persistent symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection, commonly known as Long COVID-and its impact on health-related quality of life among children and adolescents.
2024 Dec 13
Development and validation of the Post-COVID
Symptom Scale for Children/Youth (PCSS-C/Y)
