LONG COVID can be hidden in a child by Dr. Thanarat Layangkul Director of PatRangsit Mother and Child Hospital

LONG COVID can be hidden in a child by Dr. Thanarat Layangkul Director of PatRangsit Mother and Child Hospital

โดย นพ.ธนะรัตน์ ลยางกูร
ผู้อำนวยการโรงพยาบาลเฉพาะทางแม่และเด็กแพทย์รังสิต

Long COVID-19 symptoms are conditions that occur following a COVID-19 infection. Initially, it was observed more commonly in adults with severe COVID-19 symptoms compared to children. However, since the beginning of 2022, an increasing number of children have been infected with COVID-19, leading to the discovery of Long COVID-19 issues in children. This explains why some children experience symptoms that persist longer than others.

What is Long COVID in children?

Long COVID symptoms in children appear 4 to 8 weeks after a COVID-19 infection and can last for over 3 months. While most children infected with COVID-19 exhibit no or milder symptoms, some cases result in severe symptoms requiring pediatric intensive care.

Prevalence of Long COVID-19 in adults and children The incidence of Long COVID in adults can be as high as 25-30% following a COVID-19 infection. Reports from the United Kingdom indicate Long COVID cases in children at approximately 7-8% after COVID-19 infection. This prevalence is higher among older children compared to younger children. Other risk factors for Long COVID include female gender, allergies, underlying diseases, and severe initial infection.

Long COVID symptoms in children can be categorized into two types:

Physical symptoms The most common physical symptoms include:

• Headaches

• Fatigue, weakness, rapid heartbeat, and chest pain

• Insomnia

• Muscle pain, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and body rashes

Symptoms manifested in the nervous system

• Difficulties in communication, such as trouble finding words

• Impaired academic performance

• Short attention span

• Emotional expression abnormalities, which may be caused by Long COVID or communication difficulties

Many physical symptoms are challenging to recognize, and certain symptoms, especially neurological symptoms, may be hidden. Parents and teachers should closely monitor children who struggle to communicate or exhibit academic decline or changes in behavior. Suspecting Long COVID and involving the child in the diagnosis and treatment process, whether through a child development clinic or child psychiatry, is crucial for their care.

Treatment of Long COVID in children Given the wide range of symptoms associated with Long COVID, treatment should involve investigating the underlying cause and close medical supervision. It is essential to identify any complications resulting from COVID-19 or unrelated disorders, such as diabetes following COVID-19 infection. Treatment is primarily based on managing symptoms and addressing detected abnormalities. As Long COVID is still a relatively new condition, further research is needed to enhance treatment approaches.

บทความโดย นพ.ธนะรัตน์ ลยางกูร
ผู้อำนวยการโรงพยาบาลเฉพาะทางแม่และเด็กแพทย์รังสิต