Long COVID refers to the lasting effects that can occur after a COVID-19 infection. Children may develop new symptoms, ongoing symptoms, or relapsing symptoms that continue well beyond the initial illness.
There are more than 75 symptoms of pediatric Long COVID, affecting many different parts of the body. Common ones include low energy, headaches, trouble concentrating, stomach pain, and dizziness. Some symptoms may look like behavior problems, such as school refusal, but they are signs of illness. Each child or teen may have a different mix of symptoms.
Long COVID affects what a child is able to do during a day, like how they play or if they are able to go to school.
If you think your child may have Long COVID, it is important to talk with their doctor. Make an appointment with your child’s doctor to talk about what you are worried about, or talk about issues during your child’s regular doctor’s visits.
Doctors can give your child medicines to help with some symptoms. They can help keep track of how your child is doing and let you know about new treatments.
Simple Ways to Track What Matters
If your child seems more tired, restless, or struggling in new ways, write it down. Even small shifts that keep happening can point to Long COVID.
Think back to before your child got sick. If things like sleep, eating, or moods are harder now, that change matters.
Use a simple 1–10 scale or emojis to rate symptoms. Tracking intensity shows when they’re lighter, heavier, or interfering more with daily life.
Do symptoms last minutes, hours, or days? Recording how long and how often gives a clearer picture of your child’s health patterns.
When you keep track of your child’s symptoms, you give doctors a clearer picture of what’s happening. Noticing patterns helps guide care, makes conversations with clinicians more focused, and brings your family closer to the answers you need.
