One in seven children with Covid still suffering three months later – study

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/sep/01/one-in-seven-children-with-covid-still-suffering-three-months-later-study

 

Natalie Grover Science correspondent
@NatalieGrover
Wed 1 Sep 2021 13.03 EDT

Up to one in seven children who test positive for coronavirus could still have symptoms linked to the disease three months later, according to a study that suggests the prevalence of long Covid in young people is lower than initially feared.

The analysis, led by University College London and Public Health England researchers, drew on survey responses from nearly 7,000 11- to 17-year-olds who underwent PCR tests between January and March. Of these, 3,065 tested positive and 3,739 tested negative.

Many children in either group reported at least one symptom associated with coronavirus when surveyed at an average of 15 weeks after their test. Roughly 30% of those in the positive group reported having at least three or more symptoms after that time, and about 16% in the negative group.

The difference between the two groups suggests the symptoms of about one in seven children in the positive group could have been linked to Covid. The most common symptoms included unusual tiredness and headaches.

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