Study Reveals Doubling of Long COVID Risk in Children After Second Infection

A recent study has found that children are twice as likely to develop long COVID after experiencing a second COVID-19 infection compared to those who have only had the virus once. This research, co-authored by Dr. Ravi Jhaveri, head of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Lurie Children’s Hospital, highlights significant health implications for children and comes as discussions around COVID-19 vaccinations continue to evolve.

The findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal Lancet Infectious Diseases and add to the existing concerns regarding the long-term effects of COVID-19 in young populations. Dr. Jhaveri emphasized that many families are affected by long COVID, which can lead to debilitating symptoms. “There are a lot of children and families that suffer from the various conditions that comprise long COVID,” he stated.

Long COVID is defined as a chronic condition that persists for at least three months following a COVID-19 infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Symptoms vary widely and can include brain fog, fatigue, and rapid heart rate, similar to those experienced by adults. In younger children, common symptoms may manifest as behavioral issues and irritability.

The research team analyzed electronic health records of over 465,000 children, investigating the prevalence of long COVID diagnoses and associated symptoms among those with one versus two infections. Notably, the study revealed that the risk of certain long COVID symptoms escalates significantly after a second infection. For instance, the risk of myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle, tripled with a second infection. Additionally, the likelihood of developing blood clots more than doubled.

Dr. Joe Bailey, a pulmonologist with the Northwestern Medicine Comprehensive COVID-19 Center, commended the study’s findings, stating, “This is showing that there’s still a medical consequence of getting COVID, even in children.” This perspective is crucial as public perception often separates the risks associated with COVID-19 in adults and children.

The timing of this study coincides with recent shifts in vaccination guidance from state and federal health authorities. Last week, the Illinois Department of Health issued its own recommendations for COVID-19 vaccinations, which diverged from federal advice. A federal advisory panel had recently opted not to recommend COVID-19 vaccines for healthy children, suggesting that parents decide for themselves. This decision followed a statement by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., who cited a lack of clinical data in support of repeated boosters for children.

In contrast, Illinois recommends the COVID-19 vaccine for all children aged 6 to 23 months and for children aged 2 to 17 who are at higher risk, or if their parents wish for them to be vaccinated. These recommendations align with guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Major health insurers have committed to covering the costs of these vaccines this season.

The study is part of a broader initiative funded by the National Institutes of Health, which encompasses 40 U.S. children’s hospitals and health institutions. This initiative aims to better understand the long-term effects of COVID-19 on children. Despite budget cuts to COVID-19 research and programs, funding for this initiative continues.

The ongoing debate over COVID-19 vaccinations and the implications of long COVID for children underscores the importance of informed decision-making for parents and guardians. As the landscape of COVID-19 evolves, the findings from this study provide critical insights into the health risks associated with the virus and the necessity of protective measures for children.