Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, May 29: As the world grapples with a fresh wave of Covid-19, new research has shed light on the long-term effects of the virus in young children. A study published in JAMA Pediatrics reveals that around 15 per cent of infants and toddlers may experience long Covid, with symptoms varying significantly depending on age.

The study observed 472 infants and toddlers and 539 preschool-aged children between March 2022 and July 2024. It found that 14 per cent of children under 2 and 15 per cent of those aged 3 to 5 experienced lingering symptoms for at least three months following a Covid-19 infection.

Researchers noted that the nature of symptoms differs from those seen in older children and teenagers. Infants and toddlers often faced trouble sleeping, fussiness, poor appetite, nasal congestion, and cough. Meanwhile, preschool-aged children more commonly reported dry cough and fatigue, with 74 per cent experiencing a persistent dry cough.

In contrast, older children and adolescents with long Covid frequently suffer from neurological and physical symptoms like difficulty concentrating, dizziness, headaches, and stomach pain, as well as behavioral changes.

Dr. Tanayott (Tony) Thaweethai, associate director of Biostatistics Research and Engagement at Massachusetts General Hospital, emphasized that these findings highlight how long Covid presents differently in younger children. He also pointed out that the symptoms in this age group are primarily observed and reported by caregivers, which may influence how they are documented.

The study concluded that children experiencing long Covid often show poorer overall health, reduced quality of life, and signs of developmental delay. The researchers called for more comprehensive studies to better understand the full impact of long Covid on early childhood development.