The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in over 775 million documented infections globally, with millions of survivors experiencing persistent symptoms known as post-COVID conditions (PCC).

Conservative estimates suggest that over 77 million individuals worldwide may be living with PCC, which can significantly impact their daily lives.

Participants in studies report a variety of ongoing symptoms, including fatigue, cognitive difficulties, and pain, which affect their daily activities and employment status.

Despite the challenges, only 9.8% of participants reported returning to their pre-COVID-19 health status, indicating that Long COVID has become a long-term condition for most.

A study comparing emergency department patients found that even among those who tested negative for SARS-CoV-2, 20% met the criteria for PCC three months later.

Diagnosing PCC is complicated due to overlapping symptoms with other health conditions, with the WHO listing 50 symptoms associated with it.

Key risk factors for reporting PCC symptoms include testing positive for SARS-CoV-2, female sex, ICU admission, and reporting fatigue or olfactory symptoms during the emergency department visit.

The first clinical trial specifically targeting children and adolescents with long COVID is currently underway, enrolling participants aged 7 to 21 to evaluate a new treatment linked to gastrointestinal issues.

Despite substantial funding for long COVID research, most studies on children have relied on indirect methods such as online surveys and reviews of health records.

Pediatric researchers are encouraged by ongoing trials to explore various theories about long COVID and its treatments, emphasizing the need for timely treatment options for affected children.

Long COVID risk appears to be lower with Omicron variants, and antiviral therapy may reduce long-term outcomes, highlighting the evolving understanding of this condition.

Adults commonly report prolonged fatigue and cognitive disruptions, while children exhibit a different range of symptoms, including headaches, abdominal pain, sleep disturbances, and concentration issues.