New CDC data reveals that approximately 1.01 million U.S. children, or 1.4%, experienced long COVID last year, with 293,000 children still suffering from symptoms at the time of the survey.
The condition, characterized by symptoms lasting three months or more post-infection, was most prevalent in adolescents aged 12-17 and more common among Hispanic and non-Hispanic white children from lower-income families.
About 80% of those with long COVID reported limitations in daily activities. Researchers note that younger children may be under-represented due to challenges in describing symptoms.
Scientists continue to investigate long COVID’s causes and risk factors, including severe illness and lack of vaccination.
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