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Exploring post-Covid-19 condition in children and young people 3.5 years after infection: a mixed-methods analysis

Emma Dhir-Hewitt1, Fiona Newlands2, Roz Shafran3

  • 1Division of Surgery & Interventional Science, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.

BMC Public Health
|May 20, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Children and young people with persistent Post-COVID-19 Condition (PCC) experience ongoing symptoms like tiredness and other health issues 3.5 years after infection. This long COVID impacts their daily life, education, and social activities significantly.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Health
  • Infectious Disease Epidemiology
  • Longitudinal Health Studies

Background:

  • Understanding the long-term effects of Post-COVID-19 Condition (PCC) in children and young people (CYP) is vital.
  • Incorporating the perspectives of CYP is crucial for improving care and management of PCC.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the persistence of PCC symptoms and their impact on health and well-being in CYP up to 3.5 years post-infection.
  • To gather insights into the lived experiences of CYP with long-term PCC.

Main Methods:

  • A mixed-methods approach was used, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative open-text responses.
  • 68 CYP meeting PCC criteria at multiple time points were invited for a follow-up survey 3.5 years post-infection.
  • Validated measures assessed current symptoms and health status; thematic framework analysis explored qualitative data.

Main Results:

  • 84% of surveyed CYP (42 out of 50) still met PCC criteria 3.5 years post-infection.
  • 100% reported tiredness, and 81% experienced 5 or more symptoms, significantly impacting daily life.
  • Qualitative data provided context on the severity and disruption caused by these persistent symptoms.

Conclusions:

  • Children and young people with persistent PCC face ongoing, diverse symptoms impacting daily life, education, and social engagement.
  • Long-term PCC in CYP necessitates continued research and tailored support strategies.
  • The study highlights the profound and lasting effects of long COVID on pediatric populations.
Abstract

Keywords:
Children and young peopleLong COVIDMixed methodsPaediatricPost-COVID servicesPost-COVID-19 ConditionSARS-CoV-2

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