The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has named this syndrome as post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), and you will often see it called Long COVID or Post COVID Conditions. People living with these symptoms are sometimes referred to as COVID-19 long-haulers.
Those living with Long-COVID or Post-COVID Conditions are individuals who still have persistent symptoms for 4 weeks or longer that are either continuous or arise weeks or months after initially recovering from COVID-19. Many will suffer for months, and report prolonged, multisystem involvement and significant disability.
Signs and Symptoms
Additionally, Long COVID can have long term effects on the heart, lungs, brain, spleen, pancreas, kidney, liver, blood vessels, and GI track.
Long COVID in children
According to the Government of Canada, some of the most commonly reported symptoms in children include:
Fatigue, shortness of breath, lack of concentration, cognitive difficulties or delirium, headaches, abdominal pain, sleep problems, muscle aches and pains, and joint pains.
Children experiencing Long-COVID may experience some unique symptoms to adults. Alternatively, children may present differently in their symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose.
Dr. Kristen Oliveira, of the Yale School of Medicine, says that children experiencing Long-COVID often experience quicker recoveries, relative to adults.
There’s still a lot unknown about post COVID-19 condition in children. According to the Government of Canada, research about how often it occurs in children is still underway and they currently only have a small number of studies to analyze.
Long COVID in Cancer Patients
One study published in Oxford Academic states that Long-COVID occurs in 60% of cancer patients and may persist up to 14 months after acute illness.
This study listed the most common symptoms in cancer patients as: fatigue, sleep disturbance, myalgia and gastro-intestinal symptoms.
In keeping with findings of similar studies, this study reported a higher incidence of Long COVID in female cancer patients. In 2021, The Guardian published an article that compiled overwhelming evidence that Long COVID impacts women at a higher rate than men. This article cited reports that incidences of Long COVID may affect men and women at a ratio of 1:4.
Support Groups
Multiple provinces across Canada now have their own support groups, creating hubs to connect with others specifically in your province. You can stay updated with local and provincial information, including new clinics.
Know what’s happening in your province.
**Resources sourced from Covid Long-Haulers Canada and The Government of Canada **