As Child Covid Cases Rise, Doctors Watch for Potential Long-Term Effects

 "In adults, one of Covid's most troubling effects has been so-called long-haul cases , in which people whose illness initially seemed moderate end up having symptoms for months, sometimes getting worse over time. Now as doctors warn that children may be more vulnerable to the virus than initially believed, researchers are looking more closely at longer-term symptoms in kids, too.

Children now represent about 9% of all Covid-19 cases in the U.S., up from 2% in March, according to the most recent weekly report issued from Children's Hospital Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics. The number of child Covid-19 cases has doubled since July 9, totaling 406,109 as of Aug. 13, according to cases reported from 49 states.

The majority of children experience mild illness or even no symptoms from Covid-19, doctors say. But some are reporting symptoms that persist for weeks, or the development of post-viral syndromes. Symptoms reported include fever, cough, headaches, shortness of breath and gastrointestinal problems." [1]

1. Reddy, Sumathi. Wall Street Journal (Online); New York, N.Y. [New York, N.Y]24 Aug 2020.