A new study offers a glimmer of hope for teenagers grappling with the lingering effects of COVID-19. Researchers at University College london (UCL) have found that the majority of young people who experienced long COVID symptoms three months after a positive test had recovered within two years.
The groundbreaking study, published in Nature Communications Medicine, is the largest of its kind, tracking over 12,000 participants aged 11 to 17. The research, funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), defined long COVID as experiencing multiple symptoms like fatigue, headaches, and functional impairments.
While the findings are encouraging, thay also highlight the long-term impact of COVID-19 on some young people.”Our findings show that for teenagers who fulfilled our research definition of long COVID three months after a positive test for the COVID virus, the majority have recovered after two years. This is good news but we intend to do further research to try to better understand why 68 teenagers had not recovered,” said Professor Sir Terence Stephenson, the study’s chief investigator.
The study revealed that approximately 25-30% of young people met the research definition of long COVID two years after their initial positive test.Of the 943 participants who tested positive and provided data at all time points, 233 met the long COVID criteria three months after their initial infection. By the two-year mark, only 68 (7.2%) still met the definition.
“This means that 24 months after a proven COVID infection, 165 of the 233 young people (70%) who had long COVID three months after the infection and provided information at every time point in the research had recovered.But 68 of the 233 (30%) had not,” Professor Stephenson explained.
The study also identified certain factors associated with a lower likelihood of recovery. Older teenagers,females,and those from deprived backgrounds were less likely to have recovered after two years. Notably, females were almost twice as likely to still meet the long COVID definition compared to males, although researchers acknowledged that some symptoms might be related to pre-menstrual syndrome.
The CLoCK study, funded by the NIHR and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), aims to deepen our understanding of the long-term effects of COVID-19 in individuals who did not require hospitalization. This latest research provides valuable insights into the recovery trajectory of young people with long COVID, offering both reassurance and a call for further investigation into the factors influencing long-term recovery.
A groundbreaking new study has shed light on the long-term effects of COVID-19 in children and young people, revealing that a significant percentage continue to experiance symptoms up to two years after initial infection. The research,conducted by the CLoCK (COVID-19 in Children) study,a collaboration between leading UK institutions,offers crucial insights into the lasting impact of the virus on this vulnerable population.
The study, which followed over 12,000 children and young people aged 11 to 17, found that 1 in 7 participants reported experiencing at least one persistent symptom 24 months after their initial positive PCR test. Fatigue, headache, and difficulty concentrating were among the most commonly reported symptoms. “These findings highlight the importance of continued monitoring and support for children and young people who have been affected by COVID-19,” said Professor Terence Stephenson, lead author of the study.
the CLoCK study, a collaborative effort involving the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), Great Ormond Street hospital for Children NHS Foundation trust, and several leading universities, has been tracking the long-term health outcomes of children and young people as the early days of the pandemic. The researchers emphasize the need for ongoing research to fully understand the long-term consequences of COVID-19 in this age group.
“It is crucial that we continue to monitor the long-term health of children and young people who have been infected with COVID-19,” said Professor Stephenson. “This will help us to identify any potential long-term health problems and to develop appropriate treatments and support.”
The study’s findings have significant implications for healthcare providers, educators, and policymakers. they underscore the need for continued vigilance in monitoring the health of children and young people who have been infected with COVID-19, as well as the importance of providing appropriate support and resources to those experiencing long-term symptoms.
The CLoCK study team has made all data from the study publicly available, allowing othre researchers to further investigate the long-term effects of COVID-19 in children and young people. This collaborative approach is essential for advancing our understanding of this complex issue and developing effective strategies for supporting affected individuals.
The researchers acknowledge some limitations of the study, including the reliance on self-reported symptoms and the fact that the initial PCR tests were conducted before the emergence of the Delta and omicron variants. However, the study provides valuable insights into the long-term impact of COVID-19 on children and young people and highlights the need for continued research and support.
The CLoCK study’s findings serve as a reminder that the impact of COVID-19 extends far beyond the initial infection.by continuing to invest in research and support for children and young people affected by the virus, we can help ensure their long-term health and well-being.
A new study sheds light on the long-term impact of COVID-19 infection on children and young people (CYP). Researchers tracked the health of CYP for two years after their initial COVID-19 test, examining the prevalence of Post-COVID-19 Condition (PCC) and its associated symptoms.
The study categorized CYP into four groups based on their initial COVID-19 test results and subsequent infection status: those who tested negative initially and remained negative (NN); those who tested negative initially but later tested positive (NP); those who tested positive initially and did not report reinfection (PN); and those who tested positive initially and reported reinfection (PP).
Researchers used the Delphi research definition of PCC, which considers both symptom severity and impact on daily life. they also utilized validated scales,such as the Chalder Fatigue Scale,to assess symptom severity.
Key Findings
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the study revealed that 7.2% of CYP consistently met the criteria for PCC at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months post-initial test.These individuals experienced a median of 5 to 6 symptoms at each time point.
“Between 20% and 25% of all infection status groups reported 3 or more symptoms 24 months post-testing,” the study found.”10–25% experienced 5 or more symptoms.”
Interestingly, the group that experienced reinfection reported a higher number of symptoms compared to other positive groups. Conversely, the group that consistently tested negative (NN) had the lowest symptom burden.
Implications and Future Research
The study highlights the importance of longitudinal studies in understanding the long-term effects of COVID-19 on CYP. The discrepancy between the proportion of CYP meeting the PCC definition at 24 months and those consistently meeting the definition over time underscores the need to consider both the presence of symptoms and their impact on daily life.
“The findings emphasize the need for continued monitoring and support for CYP who experience long-term symptoms following COVID-19 infection,” the researchers concluded.
## Teenage long COVID: A Glimmer of Hope, But More research Needed
**World Today News Interviews Professor Sir Terence Stephenson on Promising New research**
**World Today News:** Professor Stephenson, thank you for joining us today to discuss this groundbreaking new study on the long-term effects of COVID-19 on teenagers.
**Prof.Sir Terence Stephenson:** It’s my pleasure.This research from the CLoCK study shines a light on an vital issue impacting many young lives.
**World Today News:** Can you provide a concise overview of the study’s findings?
**Prof. Sir Terence Stephenson:** This study, involving over 12,000 teenagers, followed participants for two years after a positive COVID-19 test. We found that a meaningful proportion, about 25-30%, met the criteria for long COVID three months after infection.But, encouragingly, by the two-year mark, 70% of those initially affected had recovered.
**World Today News:** That auspcious 70% recovery rate is certainly encouraging news. What about the remaining 30%? What are the factors associated with a longer recovery period?
**Prof. Sir terence Stephenson:** Regrettably, about 68 teenagers in our study still met the long COVID criteria after two years. We’ve identified a few factors linked to a slower recovery. Older teenagers, females, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds were less likely to have recovered.Additionally, we saw females were nearly twice as likely to experience persistent symptoms compared to males. However, we acknowledge that some of these reported symptoms could be related to pre-menstrual syndrome and require further examination.
**World Today News:** The study highlights a crucial point: long COVID impacts individuals differently. Do we know why some teenagers recover faster than others?
**Prof. Sir Terence Stephenson:**
This is a key question that our future research will aim to unravel. We need to understand the individual biological and social factors contributing to longer recovery times. this will enable us to develop targeted support and interventions for those most at risk.
**World Today News:** what are the practical implications of these findings for healthcare providers, educators, and policymakers?
**Prof. Sir Terence Stephenson:** These findings underscore the need for continued vigilance. Healthcare providers need to be aware of the range of long COVID symptoms and offer appropriate support. Educators must be equipped to understand and assist students coping with persistent symptoms. Policy makers need to ensure adequate resources are allocated for research, diagnosis, and treatment of long COVID in young people.
**World Today News:** The CLoCK study has gone a long way in shedding light on this issue, but what are the next steps in your research?
**Prof. Sir Terence Stephenson:** We will continue to monitor these participants for longer-term effects, possibly extending the study to five years. We are also conducting detailed analyses to uncover the underlying biological mechanisms of long COVID and explore potential treatments.
**World Today News:** Professor Stephenson, thank you for your time and insightful comments. It’s clear that while there’s hope,there’s still much work to be done to fully understand and address the long-term impact of COVID-19 on our youth.
