Many Children Suffering Ongoing Covid Symptoms

Public health researchers say strong evidence suggests
preventing infection is key to preventing Long Covid, after
they found more than a fifth of children and young people
were suffering ongoing symptoms following
Covid-19.

Led by the University of Otago, and
published in the International Journal of Paediatrics and
Child Health, the
study surveyed more than 4200 children and young adults
aged three to 20 years between November 2022 and April 2023,
after the first widespread Covid-19 community transmission
in early 2022.

More than 70 percent of participants
had a confirmed Covid-19 infection.

A quarter had
suffered more frequent coughs, colds and stomach bugs since
infection, while one in five reported ongoing symptoms, such
as headaches (21.7 percent), fatigue (20.6 percent), stomach
aches (14.6 percent) and new anxiety (13.1
percent).

Before Covid-19’s widespread arrival, 82.6
percent of children rated their health as “very good” or
“excellent” – that number dropped to 66.9 percent after the
Omicron variant waves. Children who had Covid-19 were
significantly more likely to rate their health as “fair” or
“poor”, compared to those who did not.

Children with
pre-existing conditions, like asthma or ADHD, were more
likely to develop post-Covid symptoms, but many previously
healthy kids also reported new difficulties, ranging from
persistent coughs to concentration problems.

Associate
Professor Julie Bennett, from the university’s Department of
Public Health, said long-term symptoms could affect
children’s ability to participate in daily activities and
attend school.

“Reducing infections to key to
preventing Long Covid,” she said. “Simple steps like opening
windows to improve ventilation in classrooms, workplaces and
at home helps reduce the spread of Covid-19 to
others.”

Bennett said common symptoms reported in New
Zealand children included headaches, fatigue, stomach aches,
anxiety, and more frequent coughs and colds.

“If a
child has Covid, ensure they are able to rest during and
after infection to prevent post-viral complications, such as
Long Covid.”

Co-author Larisa Hockey, of Long Covid
Kids New Zealand, said the findings showed Covid-19 had had
a “measurable and ongoing impact” on the health of many
children.

Both previously healthy children and those
with existing health conditions had reported new symptoms
that affected school attendance, concentration and overall
wellbeing, she added.

“There is strong evidence that
preventing infection is key to preventing Long Covid.
Children deserve every opportunity to grow up healthy and
thrive, and that includes protecting them from preventable
long-term illness.

“Long Covid is having a significant
impact on children’s lives and those of family
members.”

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