Long COVID is not just an adult problem. Children can also develop this complex, chronic condition after a COVID-19 infection, even if their initial illness was mild or asymptomatic. Persistent symptoms like fatigue, headaches, and brain fog can disrupt a child’s ability to attend school, play with friends, or even enjoy everyday life.
Yet, paediatric Long COVID is often misunderstood or overlooked. Thankfully, the First International Meeting on Paediatric Long COVID, held in Rome on 13 November 2024, was a groundbreaking event dedicated to addressing this issue. Bringing together world-renowned experts, this conference marked a turning point in understanding how Long COVID affects children and how we can help them recover.
Here’s a look at what was discussed, why it matters, and how it can help children and families dealing with Long COVID.
What Parents Should Know About Long COVID in Children
Long COVID refers to a range of symptoms that persist for weeks or months after a COVID-19 infection. For some children, these symptoms can be mild but disruptive; for others, they can be life-altering. Common symptoms include:
- Fatigue (not the “I don’t want to tidy my room” kind, but genuine exhaustion).
- Brain fog, making schoolwork feel impossibly hard.
- Headaches, muscle pain, and joint pain.
- Shortness of breath or other respiratory issues.
- Sleep disturbances that leave kids feeling unrested.
Parents may feel at a loss when faced with a child whose symptoms linger without clear answers. This is why the Rome conference was so crucial—it put paediatric Long COVID firmly on the global research map.
Key Takeaways from the Rome Conference on Paediatric Long COVID
The meeting featured a stellar lineup of international experts, presenting the latest research into the biology, diagnosis, and treatment of paediatric Long COVID. Here are some highlights:
Biological Evidence of Long COVID
The first session focused on the biological underpinnings of Long COVID. Highlights included:
- Immunobiology of Long COVID (Dr David Putrino): How Long COVID disrupts the immune system, leading to prolonged inflammation and persistent symptoms.
- Endotheliopathy (Prof Resia Pretorius): Blood vessel damage appears to play a significant role in Long COVID, as seen in both children and adults.
- Viral Persistence (Prof Petter Bodin): Evidence suggests lingering viral fragments may remain in the body, triggering ongoing symptoms and immune responses.
These findings confirm that Long COVID is a real, organic disease—not something “in a child’s head.”
Translating Adult Discoveries to Paediatric Care
Dr Danilo Buonsenso and Dr Lael Yonker highlighted how insights from adult Long COVID research can inform paediatric treatments. While children’s symptoms and recovery timelines differ, understanding the common biological pathways is a critical step toward effective care.
Treatment Strategies
The afternoon sessions focused on treatment and support. Key points included:
- Case Studies from the UK (Dr Binita Kane): Off-label treatments, while not universally approved, have helped children with severe Long COVID regain their health.
- Success Stories from Rome (Dr Danilo Buonsenso): Personalised approaches to treating paediatric Long COVID are showing promising results in Italy.
These discussions highlighted the importance of tailoring treatment to each child’s unique needs and ensuring families have access to knowledgeable healthcare providers.
The Global Burden of Long COVID in Children
Dr Theo Vos presented new data on the prevalence of paediatric Long COVID worldwide. Meanwhile, Dr Daniel Munblit explored the challenges of creating standardised definitions for Long COVID in children—a crucial step for accurate diagnosis and research.
Supporting Families
The program also included, Dr S. F. McFarland’s talk about the emotional and logistical challenges faced by families dealing with Long COVID. Parents often juggle doctor visits, school accommodations, and the struggle to make others understand that their child’s illness is real.
Practical Steps for Parents and Doctors of Children with Long COVID
If your child is struggling with symptoms of Long COVID, here are some steps you can take:
- Seek Specialist Help:
- Look for paediatricians or clinics experienced in treating Long COVID.
- Share a detailed symptom diary with your doctor to help them understand your child’s experience.
- Stay Informed:
- Watch part of the presentations from the Rome conference to learn directly from the experts. Please note that the video covers selected parts of the meeting. Access the slides and recordings on YouTube.
- Advocate for Your Child:
- Educate teachers, relatives, and friends about Long COVID to ensure your child gets the support they need.
- Connect with Other Families:
- Online communities can provide emotional support and practical advice from others facing similar challenges.
Why the Rome Conference Matters
The First International Meeting on Paediatric Long COVID wasn’t just about research; it was about hope. Experts from around the world came together to address the unique needs of children with Long COVID. The enthusiasm generated at this event is already fueling new collaborations and studies aimed at improving outcomes for young patients.
As Dr Danilo Buonsenso, one of the conference organisers, put it:
“This meeting was a chance to show the world that paediatric Long COVID is real and deserves urgent attention. Together, we can make a difference.”
Final Thoughts
Long COVID in children is a challenging and often misunderstood condition, but progress is being made. Thanks to events like the Rome conference, we are gaining the knowledge needed to provide better care and support for affected children and their families.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for any medical concerns or before starting any new treatments. The video linked in this post contains selected parts of the meeting and should not be considered a complete representation of the conference.
Long Covid Journey 