COVID-19 infections among Iraqi school students: Severity, types, and symptoms

The prevalence of COVID-19 infections among school students has become a significant and ongoing concern. This study aimed to assess the severity and types of COVID-19 cases and associated symptoms among school students in Iraq. A comprehensive study was conducted by the Public Health Directorate of AL-Muthanna Governorate from November 29, 2020, to February 12, 2021, utilizing RT-PCR-based COVID-19 surveys. The survey included 9,357 students (4,261 male and 5,096 female) and 83 schools. The retrospective analysis of the survey records indicated that male and female students had a mean age of 9.2±1.16 years with notably higher rates of asymptomatic infections than older students. Male students showed lower odds of asymptomatic infection but higher odds of symptomatic and pre-symptomatic infections compared to their female peers, particularly among elementary students. Fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, loss of taste and smell, shortness of breath, and muscle pain were significantly associated with COVID-19 infection. Sneezing was significantly associated with a lack of infection. Home nursing by parents and self-care practices have proven to be highly effective in controlling COVID-19 infection among children. These findings highlight the need for age- and gender-specific considerations in COVID-19 prevention and management strategies in schools.