Long COVID Symptoms in Kids: Early Warning Signs Every Parent Should Watch
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As COVID-19 cases begin to rise again in parts of the world, including India, another less visible concern is also gaining attention — long COVID. While most people recover from COVID-19 in a week or two, some continue to feel unwell for months. This lingering illness, known as long COVID, can affect not just adults but even very young children, making it a growing concern for families and healthcare professionals alike.
What Is Long COVID?
Long COVID refers to a chronic condition that can last three months or more after a person has recovered from the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it can cause a wide range of physical and mental symptoms, which may improve over time, worsen, or stay the same.
The challenge with long COVID is that it’s unpredictable. It doesn't always follow a clear pattern and may look different in different people - especially in children. And for kids under the age of five, spotting the signs becomes even harder.
What the Research Says
A new study conducted by Mass General Brigham and published in JAMA Pediatrics sheds light on how long COVID manifests in children under 5 years of age. Researchers examined over 1,000 children across the U.S., including 472 infants and toddlers (under age 2) and 539 preschoolers (ages 3 to 5).
Their findings were eye-opening. Long COVID symptoms in these younger age groups were different from what’s typically seen in older kids or adults. And because young children can’t always explain how they’re feeling, these symptoms often go unnoticed.
Common Symptoms in Young Children
For infants and toddlers (under 2 years old), parents should watch for:
For preschool-aged children (3 to 5 years), the signs may include:
The study also found that kids with long COVID often experience worsened overall health, lower quality of life, and in some cases, delayed development milestones.
Who Is at Higher Risk?
Some children are more likely than others to develop long COVID. The risk factors include:
These children may not just take longer to recover - they may face ongoing health struggles that impact daily life, school, and development.
What Parents and Caregivers Should Do
If your child has had COVID-19 recently and doesn’t seem to be recovering fully, don’t dismiss the symptoms. Long COVID in children may not always look dramatic, but its impact can be significant. Trust your instincts. If your child is more tired than usual, not sleeping well, or simply not acting like themselves, consult a pediatrician.
Paying attention to subtle changes and seeking early care can make a big difference.
Long COVID is real -and it’s affecting children too, even those under five. As cases rise again, awareness becomes key. Recognizing the signs early, especially in young children who can’t speak for themselves, is the first step in ensuring they get the care they need.
Stay alert. Ask questions. And if your child doesn’t seem quite right after COVID-19, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
What Is Long COVID?
Long COVID refers to a chronic condition that can last three months or more after a person has recovered from the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it can cause a wide range of physical and mental symptoms, which may improve over time, worsen, or stay the same.
The challenge with long COVID is that it’s unpredictable. It doesn't always follow a clear pattern and may look different in different people - especially in children. And for kids under the age of five, spotting the signs becomes even harder.
What the Research Says
A new study conducted by Mass General Brigham and published in JAMA Pediatrics sheds light on how long COVID manifests in children under 5 years of age. Researchers examined over 1,000 children across the U.S., including 472 infants and toddlers (under age 2) and 539 preschoolers (ages 3 to 5).
Their findings were eye-opening. Long COVID symptoms in these younger age groups were different from what’s typically seen in older kids or adults. And because young children can’t always explain how they’re feeling, these symptoms often go unnoticed.
Common Symptoms in Young Children
For infants and toddlers (under 2 years old), parents should watch for:
- Excessive fussiness or irritability
- Trouble falling or staying asleep
- Decreased appetite or feeding difficulties
- Persistent stuffy nose
- Unexplained coughing
For preschool-aged children (3 to 5 years), the signs may include:
- A dry cough that lingers for weeks
- Constant fatigue or unusually low energy levels during the day
The study also found that kids with long COVID often experience worsened overall health, lower quality of life, and in some cases, delayed development milestones.
Who Is at Higher Risk?
Some children are more likely than others to develop long COVID. The risk factors include:
- Female gender
- A severe case of COVID-19
- Having experienced MIS-C (Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children)
- Pre-existing health conditions such as asthma, obesity, diabetes, or high blood pressure
- Being unvaccinated
These children may not just take longer to recover - they may face ongoing health struggles that impact daily life, school, and development.
What Parents and Caregivers Should Do
If your child has had COVID-19 recently and doesn’t seem to be recovering fully, don’t dismiss the symptoms. Long COVID in children may not always look dramatic, but its impact can be significant. Trust your instincts. If your child is more tired than usual, not sleeping well, or simply not acting like themselves, consult a pediatrician.
Paying attention to subtle changes and seeking early care can make a big difference.
Long COVID is real -and it’s affecting children too, even those under five. As cases rise again, awareness becomes key. Recognizing the signs early, especially in young children who can’t speak for themselves, is the first step in ensuring they get the care they need.
Stay alert. Ask questions. And if your child doesn’t seem quite right after COVID-19, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
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