As India experiences a surge in COVID-19 cases, medical experts are drawing attention to the often-overlooked issue of long COVID in children. Recent studies indicate that persistent symptoms following COVID-19 infection can vary significantly across different pediatric age groups, necessitating age-specific awareness and care strategies.

A study by Mass General Brigham, published in JAMA Pediatrics, highlights that infants and toddlers (under 2 years) commonly exhibit symptoms such as sleep disturbances, increased fussiness, poor appetite, nasal congestion, and cough. These manifestations are particularly challenging to identify due to young children's limited ability to communicate discomfort.

For preschool-aged children (3 to 5 years), prevalent symptoms include persistent dry cough and daytime fatigue. These issues can adversely affect their overall health, quality of life, and developmental milestones .

In older children and teenagers, long COVID symptoms often encompass concentration difficulties, sleep disruptions, stomach pain, fatigue, headaches, and changes in taste or smell . These symptoms can persist for weeks or even months, impacting academic performance and daily activities.

Experts emphasize the importance of early recognition and intervention. Dr. Tanayott Thaweethai, co-author of the Mass General Brigham study, notes that children exhibiting these symptoms often experience diminished overall health and developmental delays.

With the emergence of new COVID-19 sub-variants like NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 contributing to the recent spike in cases, healthcare professionals urge parents and caregivers to monitor children closely for prolonged symptoms post-infection. Timely medical consultation can facilitate appropriate management and support for affected children.