Long Covid in children and adolescents

Covid-19 disease in children and adolescents is usually milder than in adults, but young people can also suffer from the long-term health consequences of the infection.Long Covid is associated with courses of varying severity, which can affect everyday life. This article provides an overview of the disease as well as information on special contact points and treatment options for children and adolescents.

While most children and adolescents survive a coronavirus infection well, some sufferers continue to struggle with symptoms for weeks or months after the acute illness. Doctors then speak of long Covid. The symptoms vary greatly - from persistent exhaustion and concentration problems to depression. The consequences can have a significant impact on everyday life: For example, children are often no longer able to be as active as they used to be, have difficulties at school or withdraw socially. This can be stressful not only for those affected, but also for parents, siblings and family life as a whole.

Long Covid is therefore the generic term for persistent symptoms after a coronavirus infection, while post-Covid is a long-term form of it.

Long Covid manifests itself differently in every child. In addition, research is still in its infancy and Long Covid is often difficult to diagnose as there is no standardized test procedure. In many cases, several symptoms occur at the same time. The condition usually improves after a few months, but the symptoms can also persist for a longer period of time.

Frequent symptoms and signs of the disease are

• Extreme tiredness (fatigue or ME/CFS) - even after getting enough sleep, children feel exhausted.
• Concentration and memory problems - also known as "brain fog". Children find it difficult to learn at school.
• Headaches and dizziness - often accompanied by general malaise.
• Breathlessness and cardiovascular problems - children complain of shortness of breath or palpitations.
• Sleep disturbances and pain - for example in muscles and joints.
• Disturbances of taste and smell.
• Gastrointestinal complaints - nausea, vomiting.
• Psychological stress - anxiety, mood swings or depressive moods.

However, these and similar symptoms can also have other health-related causes. You should therefore have your child's illness thoroughly examined by a doctor.

The treatment of Long Covid is just as individual as the symptoms. In most cases, the symptoms in children and adolescents subside after a while. If symptoms persist, you can get help and support from various sources. You can turn to these points of contact:

• Pediatricians and specialist clinics: If you suspect Long Covid, you should first visit your pediatrician or family doctor's office with your child. From there, you can be referred to a specialist practice. There are now also special consultation hours in clinics for children and adolescents.
• Specialized outpatient clinics: There are special outpatient clinics in North Rhine-Westphalia that specialize in post-Covid. You can find an overview by searching for regional clinics on the portal of the Federal Ministry of Health (BMG Long Covid Initiative).
• Rehabilitation measures: In some cases, medical rehabilitation can be helpful. The pediatrician's office can issue a corresponding prescription for this.

Counseling centers and other contact options can be found at the bottom of this page.

If a child in the family is suffering from the consequences of a coronavirus infection, parents, siblings and relatives can do a lot to make everyday life a little more pleasant. A lot of love, understanding and comfort are particularly important at this time. Above all, your child needs emotional support. You can also do the following:

• Be patient: Long Covid is not a figment of your imagination, but a serious illness. Your child needs time to recover.
• Listen to the body: You can help your child to recognize their own limits and manage their strength. It helps to focus on activities that are good for you.
• Adapting everyday life: Less pressure to perform, regular breaks and small, realistic goals help to cope better with everyday life with Long Covid.
• Encourage light exercise and relaxation: Relaxation techniques such as gentle exercise, breathing and meditation exercises or yoga can also be helpful. Try out what is good for your child. Intensive sport and exertion should be avoided.
• Ensure good sleep hygiene: Adequate and restful sleep is particularly important now.
• Keep an eye on mental health: If your child is sad or anxious, talking to a counselor or child psychologist can help.
• Encourage contact with friends: Social contact with peers should not be broken off despite the illness. Support joint activities.
• Search for support at school: Inform the school and teaching staff about your child's condition. Schools can grant so-called compensation for disadvantages or special arrangements, e.g. extended processing times for work or fewer lessons.