The Impact of Long COVID on Children: Estimating 5.8 Million Cases Nationwide
Introduction
An estimated 5.8 million children nationwide have dealt with the effects of long COVID, according to a new report from Columbia University’s Irving Medical Center. While the majority of young people who get COVID-19 recover quickly, some experience symptoms that can persist for months and even years. This article explores the implications of long COVID on children, the debilitating symptoms they may face, and the urgent need for research and support.
Understanding Long COVID in Children
“We’re behind in people understanding and really recognizing that long COVID does actually happen in children,” says Dr. Melissa Stockwell, a pediatrician and chief of the Division of Child and Adolescent Health at Columbia. Long COVID can have highly debilitating symptoms that impact a child’s quality of life. It may affect their ability to attend school, focus, play with friends, and engage in important developmental activities.
The Prevalence of Long COVID in Children
An estimated 5.8 million children nationwide have dealt with the effects of long COVID, as reported in a new study published in Pediatrics, a journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics. While many pediatric long COVID patients suffer from common symptoms like fatigue, cough, and difficulty concentrating, others face less common neurological and autoimmune conditions.
The Urgent Need for Research
The scientific community acknowledges the need to understand more about long COVID in children, particularly among those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, medical complexity, and prolonged debilitating symptoms. Stockwell and other experts emphasize the importance of ongoing research to determine why some children develop long COVID and others do not.
The Impact on Children’s Health and Well-being
The Columbia study reveals that fatigue and malaise are the most common manifestations of pediatric long COVID. Children may also experience respiratory and gastrointestinal issues, difficulty concentrating, and mental health concerns. Additionally, long COVID in children can lead to conditions such as type 1 diabetes, brain fog, chronic fatigue syndrome, and autoimmune diseases.
The Potential for Future Illness
Dr. Sharon Nachman, chief of pediatric infectious diseases at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital, suggests that long COVID may “jump-start” the potential for severe future illnesses in some patients, such as autoimmune, arthritis, or neurological problems.
Personal Stories
Concetta Van Winckel shares her 9-year-old daughter Evelyn’s experience with long COVID. Evelyn suffered from the symptoms for about seven months, including pain, fatigue, and difficulty being touched. After months of therapy, she has recovered, although the fear of a re-emergence remains.
Conclusion
The impact of long COVID on children is a significant concern, with an estimated 5.8 million cases nationwide. The diverse symptoms and long-term consequences hinder children’s quality of life and development. Continued research and support are necessary to better understand and address this emerging issue.
