The post-acute COVID-19 sequelae, commonly called extended COVID or post-COVID-19 diseases, are a growing source of worry. Unfortunately, overcoming COVID-19 now involves more than just surviving the infection; lasting effects, including weariness and shortness of breath, can significantly reduce one’s quality of life.
Since the Omicron form has become more prevalent, children who were earlier mistakenly thought to be immune to the worst effects of COVID-19 have started suffering from more severe illness. One study in JAMA examined the percentage of kids who got COVID-19 and reported post-COVID-19 conditions (PCC) 90 days after going to the ER.
From March 7, 2020, to January 20, 2021, this prospective cohort study collected indexing data from 36 emergency departments (EDs) across eight nations.
1884 of the 8642 children who contracted COVID-19, had ED indexing data available, and successfully completed a 90-day follow-up were selected from the study’s initial enrollment of 8642 kids. The group had a median age of 3 years and a male predominance of 52.8%.
Any chronic, fresh, or recurring pertinent health issues revealed in the 90-day follow-up survey were considered post-COVID-19 symptoms by the researchers.
The three most prevalent symptoms at the time of ED indexing were fever (65.9%), cough (48.7%), and rhinorrhea or congestion (47.4%).
A total of 5.8% (n = 110) of the children, including those who were and were not hospitalized during acute illness, reported PCCs after 90 days. The most prevalent symptom among kids who tested positive for COVID-19 was weakness or exhaustion.
Being hospitalized for at least 48 hours (as opposed to children who were not hospitalized at all), reporting four or more symptoms at the index ED visit (as opposed to one to three symptoms), and being 14 years of age or older (as opposed to children younger than one year) were the factors most indicative of long COVID.
At 90 days, children who were still testing positive for COVID-19 were more likely to report long-lasting COVID symptoms than those who tested negative.
The researchers emphasized that hospitalized children who are older and have numerous acute symptoms require supervision and follow-up in particular.
