Some individuals experience ongoing health problems weeks after the initial onset of COVID symptoms, including fatigue, cardiorespiratory and neurological symptoms. This phenomenon is known as Long-COVID.

The prevalence of Long COVID is NOT known in children, especially as the highly catchy delta variant has not yet been as well studied for its long-term effects in children. Estimating the real prevalence of Long-COVID is also complicated by the mental and physical effects of school closures, lack of socializing and general COVID “worry” that can present in a similar way.

Nonetheless, Long COVID is REAL and some countries have estimated that up to 14% of children with COVID may still have symptoms 5 weeks or more after infection (UK Office for National Statistics). We have certainly seen quite a few children with Long COVID in our practice- especially teenage girls- and it can be debilitating.

Some of the reported and observed symptoms of LONG COVID include:

🔹 Extreme tiredness
🔹 Shortness of breath
🔹 Chest pain or tightness, often on minimal exertion
🔹 Heart palpitations or a racing heart rate in minimal exertion
🔹 Problems with concentration and memory (brain fog)
🔹 Trouble sleeping
🔹 Depression/anxiety
🔹 Ringing the ears (tinnitus)
🔹 Light sensitivity in the eyes
🔹Ongoing change in taste and smell
🔹 Joint pains
🔹 Stomach aches, nausea or loss of appetite

Even more symptoms have been described and this is an evolving medical field. Long Covid centres and support groups are vital.

Clearly this can be serious and debilitating so please contact your medical practitioner if you are concerned about such symptoms in your child or teen.

COVID-19 is NOT CHILD’S PLAY. PLEASE VACCINATE SO THAT WE CAN ALL RECALIBRATE