Repeated COVID Infections Double Long COVID Risk in Children, new Study finds
WASHINGTON D.C. – A new study analyzing data from 40 U.S. children’s hospitals and health institutions reveals that children infected with COVID-19 more then once face a doubled risk of developing long COVID. The findings, released as a new variant, dubbed ‘stratus,’ spreads globally, underscore the importance of vaccination and preventative measures to minimize reinfection.
the research, focused on patients under the age of 21, adds to a growing body of evidence demonstrating that repeated COVID-19 infections – regardless of age – can exacerbate the likelihood and severity of long-term health issues. Experts say the study reinforces the critical role of immunization in protecting against both acute COVID-19 and the perhaps debilitating effects of long COVID.
Scientists found a clear correlation between multiple infections and increased risk. “The results of this study further support one of the strongest reasons I give patients,families and physicians about getting vaccinated,” said Ravi Jhaveri,Head of Paediatrics infectious Diseases at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. “More vaccines should lead to fewer infections, which should lead to less long COVID.”
The study’s authors noted the findings align with research conducted on adults, which also indicates that long COVID symptoms often worsen with each subsequent infection, suggesting shared underlying mechanisms across different age groups.
“Our paediatric findings also align with adult studies,” the study stated. “Research in adults shows that long COVID symptoms often worsen with repeated infections, suggesting potential shared mechanisms across age groups.”
Researchers emphasize the need for continued vigilance,further investigation into the biological causes of long COVID,and strategies to reduce the risk of reinfection as the virus continues to evolve and circulate. The study calls for ongoing clinical monitoring and proactive measures to mitigate the risks associated with repeated COVID-19 exposure.
