As of September 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic has infected over 5 million children (of over 33 million infections worldwide), representing over 15% of all COVID-19 cases. This number continues to rise with the delta variant of SARS-CoV-2. Although pediatric hospitalizations and deaths remain relatively low, children may be left with long-lasting, post-acute sequelae from their infection, even if the child was initially asymptomatic. “Post-COVID Conditions” is a term to describe the wide range of physical and mental health consequences that are present for ≥4 weeks after an initial COVID-19 infection, even in children who were initially asymptomatic (CDC, 2021). Post-COVID Conditions are thought to affect 5% to 80% of individuals who have had COVID-19 infection of any severity, but the data is limited on its impact on the pediatric population. Because of the uncertainty surrounding Post-COVID Conditions, including the wide range of presentations, difficulty in assessing potential alternative etiologies, and lack of standardized guidance, a thorough, systematic and multi-disciplinary approach to evaluation and management is warranted.
