What conditions affect children and adolescents in the US with Post-COVID-19 symptoms?
Post-COVID-19 condition (also called Long COVID) can affect children and adolescents, but it is less common than in adults. The most frequently reported symptoms include fatigue, difficulty concentrating, muscle pain, headache, and sleep disturbances. Some children also experience loss of smell or taste, anxiety, or breathing problems. Symptoms can persist for weeks or months after the initial infection, and their severity varies widely.
What the research says
A 2022 review found that persistent sequelae of COVID-19 are less common in children and adolescents than in adults, possibly due to milder acute infections in this age group. The most common post-COVID-19 symptoms reported were fatigue, lack of concentration, and muscle pain 8. An umbrella review from 2024, which analyzed multiple systematic reviews, confirmed that fatigue, headache, and sleep problems are among the most frequent symptoms in children and adolescents with post-COVID-19 condition 9. Surveys of English schoolchildren in 2022 found that 1.8% of primary school pupils (ages 4-11), 4.5% of secondary school pupils (ages 11-16), and 6.9% of older students (ages 16-18) met a definition of post-COVID-19 condition. Many children reported persisting symptoms like anxiety or difficulty concentrating regardless of prior infection, but loss of smell and taste, cardiovascular symptoms, and some systemic issues were more common in those who had tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 10. A systematic review focusing on pediatric post-COVID-19 condition (PPCC) noted that the condition involves a complex mix of immunological and pathophysiological changes, including dysregulated immune responses, possible viral reservoirs, and inflammation, which may explain the variety of symptoms seen 4. Overall, while many symptoms overlap with those seen in adults, children and adolescents tend to have a lower risk of developing post-COVID-19 condition, and their symptoms may be less severe or shorter-lasting.
What to ask your doctor
- What symptoms should I watch for in my child that might indicate post-COVID-19 condition?
- How long do post-COVID-19 symptoms typically last in children and adolescents?
- Are there any treatments or therapies that can help manage my child's fatigue or concentration problems?
- Should my child see a specialist, such as a pediatrician or a neurologist, for persistent symptoms?
- What can we do at home to support my child's recovery and monitor for worsening symptoms?
This question is drawn from common patient questions about Pediatrics and answered using cited medical research. We do not provide individualized advice.