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Additionally, a growing number of children with Long COVID develop secondary conditions, further blurring the lines between cause and effect. These secondary illnesses can range from chronic fatigue syndrome and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) to autoimmune disorders and neurological complications. The return of symptoms, or symptom flare-ups, may be triggered by new infections, physical or emotional stress, or in some cases, with no clear cause at all.

  • Abnormal movements
  • Allodynia (skin sensitivity, especially sensitivity to light touch)
  • Amplified pain syndrome (AMPS)
  • Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
  • Back pain
  • Burning pain
  • Chronic inflammation
  • Decreased immune function
  • Deep aching “bone crushing” pain
  • Diabetes
  • Dysautonomia
  • Extreme fatigue/tiredness/lack of energy that interferes with daily life
  • Fever and chills
  • Functional neurologic disorder (FND)
  • Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS)
  • Multisystem inflammatory disorder (MID-C)
  • Neurologic pain
  • Repeated viral and/or bacterial infections
  • Sleep problems, including insomnia, extreme daytime sleepiness, and restless leg syndrome
  • Symptoms that worsen after physical or mental activity (post-exertional malaise)
  • Weakness
  • Brain fog/difficulty concentrating, remembering, or focusing (described as feeling "separated from the world")
  • Functional Neurologic Disorder (FND)
  • Headaches
  • Lightheadedness and/or dizziness upon standing/vertigo
  • Memory loss
  • Mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression
  • Mood changes
  • Moodiness
  • Neurological tremors
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Phobias/fear of specific things
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Seizures/tremors/non-epileptic seizures
  • Sleep disorders
  • Thoughts of hopelessness and even suicide
  • Tics (verbal and other)
  • Tingling, numbness, and nerve damage
  • Blurry vision
  • Hypersensitivity to light
  • Inability to focus eyes
  • Loss of visual acuity
  • Dizziness or vertigo
  • Ear pain or pressure
  • Hearing loss
  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
  • Stuffy nose
  • Loss of taste or distorted sense of taste
  • Loss of smell or distorted sense of smell
  • Choking sensation
  • Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
  • Dry mouth or throat irritation
  • Eosinophilic esophagitis
  • Hoarseness
  • Lump in the throat sensation
  • Neck pain
  • Sore throat
  • Tightness in the throat
  • Breathing difficulty
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath and/or difficulty breathing
  • Wheezing
  • Chest Pain
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat
  • Fainting
  • Blood clots/microclots, and blood vessel issues
  • Changes in urination
  • Interstitial cystitis (IC)
  • New or worsening overactive bladder (known as Covid-19
  • associated cystitis (CAC))
  • Raynaud’s syndrome
 
  • Swelling in legs or feet
  • Raynaud’s syndrome
 
  • Changes in menstrual cycle
  • Female infertility
  • Long-term decline of ovarian health including premature ovarian insufficiency (POI)
  • Reduced male fertility
  • Worsening premenstrual symptoms
  • Complicated menstrual cycles that may include a combination of symptoms ramping up after ovulation and before menstruation. These may include nerve pain, brain fog, migraines and facial pain, to name a few.
  There is also a chance that in the future Long Covid could lead to what is commonly seen in adults with Long Covid:
  • Possibility of higher risk of preeclampsia
  • Possibility of higher risk of preterm birth
 
  • Loss of appetite
  • Stomach pain
  • Changes in appetite
  • Diarrhea
  • Heartburn
  • Changes in stool color
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Bloating
  • Gluten intolerance/allergies
  • Gastroparesis
  • Food intolerances
  • Rashes
  • Hair loss
  • Skin color changes (e.g; red, white, or purple skin color changes)
 
  • Muscle aches
  • Joint pain
  • Reduced mobility

If you don’t see your child’s specific symptom on this list, don’t lose hope. Long COVID is still being studied, and new discoveries are emerging. The lack of recognition today does not mean your child’s experience isn’t real. Your role as an advocate is critical—seeking answers, connecting with others, and refusing to accept dismissal can make all the difference.

Knowledge is power, and your voice matters. The more parents, patients, and medical professionals speak up, the more awareness and research will follow. Your child’s diagnosis is not a sentence—it’s a starting point. What you believe about their recovery shapes their reality. Who is responsible for their health? You are. Who cares most about their well-being? You do. That means taking charge, questioning everything, and ensuring no stone is left unturned.

I hope this information brings clarity and reassurance. If you recognize your child’s struggles, know you are not alone. Understanding their symptoms is the first step toward real progress. If new or alarming symptoms arise, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice. Long COVID is complex, but it should never be an excuse to overlook other potential conditions.

Never let a doctor—or anyone—dismiss your concerns. Trust your instincts. Stay vigilant. Your child’s health is in your hands, and with that comes both responsibility and empowerment. Stay relentless in your pursuit of answers, because your child deserves nothing less.

If your child is showing symptoms of Long COVID, don’t wait. Book a free Zoom consultation with a chronic pain and Long COVID specialist, or call us today to speak with a member of our team. You can also submit a form on our website to learn more.

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CRPS treatment clinic patient Bria with dr.katinka