Long COVID may have a far-reaching impact on children and teens [Video]

This past March marked four years since COVID-19 was declared a global health emergency. Though many had hoped this “generation-defining” pandemic would become a thing of the past, we are learning that the virus may be here to stay.

One of the lasting impacts of this infection is a chronic condition frequently referred to as long COVID, or post-COVID conditions. Long COVID in children and adolescents is defined as symptoms that last for at least four weeks following a COVID-19 infection. The Scientific Reports Journal notes the most frequently reported symptoms fall into multiple specific categories, including:

Neuropsychiatric symptoms:

■ Mood.

■ Fatigue.

■ Headaches.

■ Sleep disorder.

■ And concentration difficulties.

Cardiorespiratory symptoms:

■ Chest pain.

■ Cough.

■ And exercise intolerance.

Gastrointestinal symptoms:

■ Abdominal pain.

■ Constipation.

■ Diarrhea.

■ And nausea.

Commonly the conversations about COVID-19’s risk and impact are focused on the elderly and those with preexisting conditions. Children and teens …