Pediatric
Long Covid
Pediatric
Long Covid
BOTTOM
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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
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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.
Jacob, 10, Dublin
, suffers from many symptoms including profound exhaustion, post exertional malaise, cognitive issues, muscle pain and headaches. For three years he has only been well enough to attend school part time. He gets so sad about this Long Covid and is so tired of not being able to engage in the same activities as his peers. Some evenings he is so weak that his mother has to brush his teeth for him.
Lillie , 17, Wicklow.
Suffers from many symptoms including chronic fatigue, brain fog, joint pain and headaches. Autoimmune issues cropping up since 2020 including Coeliac, Hashimotos, POTS and Urticaria/Angiodoema. She has missed all but one good year of her senior school cycle and has been out of school since mid September 2024. She misses her friends so much and can’t see an end to her illness. It gets hard for her sometimes to picture a better future, one where she is living a teenage life, getting an education (and not being cared for by her mum and dad). Lillie is hoping to find a part time class this year that doesn’t involve too much reading.
James Dublin Ireland
15 years , got Covid in 2020 and never recovered. Missed almost 5 years of school .
Symptoms include severe exhaustion ,debilitating daily headache , nausea ,memory issues, muscle and joint pain. All James wants is to be able to get back to school and be able to meet up with friends . He has missed out on so much of his childhood .
Anthony 11 years old Ireland
Life has completely changed since getting Covid 18 months ago . Anthony was normally a very sporty child , however now he can no longer play sport or attend school full time . Everyday is spent at home apart from when he’s well enough to attend school for a few hours . Symptoms include Fatigue , headaches , abdominal pain , nausea and muscle pains
Elizabeth Dublin
Suffers from racing heart rate , dizziness, severe fatigue , headaches, temperature fluctuations , loss of appetite . Simple things like showering , going to school are often not possible . If Elizabeth over does it she crashes which has resulted in her becoming very unwell , being house bound for months . Infections also can cause a flare in symptoms and limit her level of function eg not being able to walk for 2 weeks , missing school for months .
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
List of Services for Long Covid
in Ireland
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ist of Services for Long Covid in Ireland
Note, this is a work in progress and will be added to as we receive more information/recommendations.
Always do your own research before you choose your clinician, the below information is based on patient experience and is NOT to be taken as medical advice.
List of Services for Long Covid in Ireland - Click here for more info
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)
