CDC Survey: Long COVID Affects 1.4% of U.S. Kids 

United States: Federal data released Monday brings evidence that at least 1 million pediatric patients suffered from long COVID during 2023. 

Scientific studies confirm that long-term COVID affects patients who recover from infection yet continue experiencing symptoms for at least three months, yet remain unclear for children, as reported by ABC News

Scientists from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention analyzed data obtained from the 2023 National Health Interview Survey, which tracks U.S. population health nationwide. 

A randomly chosen child between 17 and under from each sampled household in the survey participated. Parents answered survey questions about their child’s previous COVID-19 infection. Parents also described symptoms that lasted three months or longer along with present childhood symptoms at the time of the interview. 

What the CDC’s Latest Survey Show 

According to findings published in JAMA Pediatrics, approximately 1.01 million children, making up 1.4% of the population, have endured long COVID since 2023, while the ongoing prevalence stands at 293,000 children, amounting to 0.4% in the same period. 

According to the authors 1.3% or 1 million children met the criteria for long COVID during 2022.

Groups Most Affected by Long COVID 

A significant proportion of children aged 12 to 17 both experienced extended COVID symptoms in their past and currently suffer from this condition. Among children with long COVID there were higher prevalence rates found in both Hispanic and non-Hispanic white children when compared with non-Hispanic Black and Asian children. 

Children who earned less than $100,000 per year and whose parents had education levels below an associate degree experienced the highest prevalence of Long COVID. 

Long COVID’s Impact on Daily Life 

At the time of interviewing children with ongoing COVID-19 symptoms research showed 80% experienced activity limitations compared to their pre-COVID-19 condition. 

“The large proportion of children experiencing [long COVID] with any activity limitation highlights the need to examine the severity of activity limitation, functional outcomes, and days lost from school,” the authors wrote. 

According to the authors young children might not report long COVID symptoms properly because they struggle to explain their symptoms verbally. 

Studies show the CDC that severe illness is a leading cause of Long COVID but the condition can develop in anybody. According to the agency, those without COVID-19 vaccinations face an extra risk of developing long-term COVID conditions. 

The scientific community remains uncertain about long COVID origins while understanding different risk elements, which include existing medical conditions, as reported by ABC News. 

Patients experiencing long COVID typically present with reduced cortisol production together with diminished testosterone levels, according to scientific studies. Some researchers propose that ongoing virus activity within infected individuals results in prolonged medical issues.