Study Identifies Common Long COVID Symptoms in Young Children

Long COVID, a condition where symptoms persist long after the initial infection, can affect individuals of all ages, including infants and young children. However, the symptoms experienced by this age group are often different from those seen in adults and older children. A recent study by researchers at Mass General Brigham, part of the RECOVER initiative, focused on understanding the most common long COVID symptoms in children under five years old.

The study found that infants and toddlers (younger than 2 years) with long COVID are more likely to experience sleep disturbances, fussiness, poor appetite, nasal congestion, and coughing. Preschool-aged children (ages 3 to 5) tend to show symptoms such as dry cough and daytime fatigue or low energy levels. These findings highlight that long COVID in young children presents distinct symptom patterns compared to older populations.

The research analyzed data from 472 infants and toddlers, along with 539 preschool children, some of whom had previously contracted COVID-19. The children were enrolled between March 2022 and July 2024 across over 30 healthcare and community settings in the U.S. Caregivers reported symptoms lasting at least 90 days post-infection. Among children with prior COVID, approximately 14-15% were classified as likely having long COVID.

Experts emphasize that these symptoms can negatively impact a child's overall health, development, and quality of life. Co-senior author Dr. Andrea Foulkes stated that the study's findings can facilitate better understanding and management of long COVID in young children, ultimately aiding the development of targeted care strategies.

It is important to note that these symptoms are for research purposes and are not used for clinical diagnosis. Caregivers are advised to consult healthcare professionals if they are concerned about persistent symptoms. The study also acknowledges the limitations of survey data, including potential recall bias and challenges in symptom reporting, especially for children too young to verbalize their feelings.

This research extends the understanding of long COVID, complementing previous studies on school-aged children and teenagers, by providing insights into the younger age groups.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-key-symptoms-covid-young-children.html