Kids may be more likely to develop long COVID after a second infection
Long COVID in children is rare, but kids may be at a higher risk of developing the condition after their second COVID-19 infection, according to international research. Using US health records from most of 2022-2023 when the Omicron variant was most prominent, researchers looked at persistent health problems after COVID-19 in children and young people under 21 and how common they were. The researchers say after a first COVID-19 infection, about 904 children per million developed long COVID. After a second infection, about 1884 children per million developed long COVID, they say. The researchers say long COVID symptoms varied depending on the patient, with heart inflammation (myocarditis), blood clots, kidney injuries, breathing problems and fatigue/brain fog among the problems the young people were facing long-term.
Researchers focused on identifying persistent health issues that emerged after a COVID-19 infection and determining how frequently these problems occurred. Their findings indicate a notable difference in the prevalence of long COVID between first-time and repeat infections.
According to the research, approximately 904 children per million developed long COVID after their initial COVID-19 infection. However, this number more than doubled to around 1884 children per million following a second infection. This suggests a potentially heightened vulnerability to long-term health problems with repeated exposure to the virus.
The study also highlighted the diverse range of symptoms associated with long COVID in young people. These symptoms varied from patient to patient but included serious conditions such as heart inflammation (myocarditis), blood clots, and kidney injuries. Respiratory issues, as well as debilitating fatigue and cognitive difficulties often referred to as "brain fog," were also reported among the long-term health challenges faced by these young individuals.
These findings underscore the importance of continued vigilance and preventative measures to protect children from repeated COVID-19 infections. While long COVID is still considered rare in this age group, the increased risk associated with subsequent infections warrants attention and further research to better understand the underlying mechanisms and develop effective treatment strategies. The study serves as a reminder that the long-term effects of COVID-19, even in children, can be significant and should not be underestimated.