Coronavirus in kids: Children at risk of long Covid
Sun Online Desk
Published: 06 May 2021, 08:05 AM
As UK studies are now confirming, kids under the age of 16 can develop long Covid too.
Estimates suggest that of the children surveyed in the UK, 13% of children aged 2-11, 14.5% of kids aged 12-16, and 17% of young adults continued to exhibit COVID-like symptoms upto 5 weeks after testing negative for the virus.
Regardless, here are some of the most common long-haul symptoms recorded amongst kids having recovered from Covid-19:
- Exhausting fatigue
. Researchers are now finding evidence that kids can have a harder time battling fatigue, experience pain in their joints, thighs, head, hands and legs long after fighting the infection.
- Sleep disturbances
Poor sleep patterns are linked to a lot many growth, cognitive and developmental deficits in kids aged between 2-16. Insomnia is also a symptom that is seen in kids and adults suffering from long Covid.
- Sensory impairment
As per a London-based analysis of post-COVID symptoms like- ear pain, altered taste, poor or blurred vision, touch, smell in children, younger babies and toddlers may also be at the risk of experiencing sensory impairment.
- Mood swings
Children suffering from long COVID are also more prone to showcase mood swings in their growth years. About 10% of kids reported suffering from memory problems.
- Gastrointestinal problems
Gastrointestinal symptoms like gut trouble, stomach pain and digestive issues are a common complaint being observed in kids during the symptomatic stage of their infections right now.
- Headaches and dizziness
Preliminary research has also showcased that dizziness and some other neurological problems could also affect younger children post a COVID attack. Acute headaches, dizziness, fatigue could be a key symptom to be looked at.
(With Times of India inputs)