Long COVID Symptoms in Young Children: New Study Highlights Vigilance

A recent study conducted by researchers at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School has highlighted the critical need for heightened awareness among clinicians and caregivers regarding Long COVID symptoms in infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. This research, part of the National Institutes of Health-funded Researching COVID to Enhance Recovery (RECOVER) initiative, was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Pediatrics on July 21, 2025. The study examined long-term symptoms in 1,011 children, revealing significant differences in how Long COVID manifests in younger age groups compared to older children.

According to Dr. Lawrence Kleinman, a professor and vice chair of the Department of Pediatrics at Rutgers, the COVID-19 pandemic initially propagated a myth that children were largely spared from its severe consequences. However, Kleinman emphasizes, "Many children were sick with COVID, and we now have a new chronic illness emerging.” This underscores the urgent need for pediatricians and family physicians to recognize these symptoms, as failure to do so may delay treatment and inhibit the availability of supportive services.

The study found that of the 677 children with prior SARS-CoV-2 infections, approximately 15% were identified as likely having Long COVID. Notably, the symptoms in infants and toddlers included difficulty sleeping, fussiness, poor appetite, stuffy noses, and coughing, while preschoolers exhibited increased daytime tiredness and low energy levels. Dr. Sunanda Gaur, a professor of pediatrics and director of the Adult and Pediatric Clinical Research Centers at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, pointed out, "This study is the largest systematic look at long COVID in younger children in the United States. It suggests that this is an illness that children, families, pediatricians, and the healthcare and educational systems will be dealing with for a generation.”

The implications of these findings are significant, as they suggest that many young children may go undiagnosed and untreated, leading to long-term health issues. The inability of younger children to articulate their feelings complicates the identification process, making it essential for healthcare providers to be vigilant and informed about the potential signs of Long COVID in this demographic.

Furthermore, the study is part of a broader $1.15 billion effort funded by the NIH, aimed at understanding the long-term effects of COVID-19 and identifying strategies for prevention and treatment. This initiative is vital for managing the ongoing health crisis posed by the pandemic and ensuring that adequate resources are allocated to support affected families and healthcare providers.

As awareness around Long COVID grows, it is crucial that both healthcare professionals and caregivers remain informed about the symptoms and challenges faced by younger children. With the upcoming Long COVID Pediatric Awareness Week from July 21 to 25, 2025, initiatives to educate and inform the public about these critical issues are more important than ever. For additional information, visit recovercovid.org.