Management of Long COVID-19 in Children and Adolescents: From Diagnosis to Therapeutic Approaches
March 2026
in “
Annals of Medicine
”
TLDR Standardized tools and treatments are needed to better manage long COVID-19 in kids and teens.
The document reviews the management of long COVID-19 (L-C19) in children and adolescents, emphasizing the complexity of diagnosing and treating this condition due to varied symptoms and lack of standardized definitions. It notes that 4% to 20% of children infected with SARS-CoV-2 may develop L-C19, with symptoms affecting multiple organ systems and persisting for weeks or months. Key symptoms include fatigue, cognitive disturbances, respiratory issues, and musculoskeletal pain, significantly impacting daily life. Management involves a multidisciplinary approach focusing on symptom relief, improving quality of life, and preventing further deterioration, with treatments such as bronchodilators, corticosteroids, and pulmonary rehabilitation. The document highlights the importance of comprehensive care, further research, and integrating healthcare with educational and social support systems to address the broader impacts of L-C19 on children's development and well-being.