Long Covid in Teens?

[Hamilfan]

Hi all

My DD (15) had covid back in December, and she still has some after effects! She can't smell properly, her taste has gone to hell in a handcart (all meat tastes like chicken)

She is also still really tired and when she caught a cold recently it has taken weeks to shake off.

Has anyone else had teens affected the same way? I've read a lot of the long covid threads, but feel the younger generation has been forgotten about. It's fine for them to catch covid as they will recover quickly, but clearly this isn't the case with everyone!

I don’t know any teen who has had long Covid I’m afraid, my daughter is 15, a lot of her friends had Covid all with mild symptoms which only lasted a couple of days, luckily my daughter never seemed t get it. I hope your daughter gets better soon x

It's very unusual for teens to get long covid that's why. Has she been to see a doctor and have some blood tests done. It could be low iron etc making her tired and her immune system will have a hard time fighting it off. Don't just assume it's long covid without a diagnosis, if she is low in something, she could have the same symptoms.

Visit longcovidkids.org , this site includes teenagers as well. Plenty of support. They have a Twitter account too.

My DS1 had Covid at the end of January(as did I). Before Covid, he was very fit and healthy and was never ill. Now nearly 6 months on he is permanently shattered and has a racing heart. He somehow got enrolled on a Long Covid survey from GOSH as a result of his positive test which he has to complete twice a year.

Maybe her body is reacting the same way as if she had Flu or Glandular Fever. It took me a year to fully shake glandular fever when I was a teen. I'm not denying along Covid exists, I'm saying some viral infections wreak havoc on your immune for. While after so it's probably her natural response.

It seems to be quite rare thank goodness, otherwise this thread would be inundated

I’d second having a look at Long Covid Kids Group.

Thanks all, will get her an appointment to get her bloods checked. Before covid she had no problems, so that's why I was leaning towards long covid.

Sounds like post viral fatigue

My dd (19) has been diagnosed with long covid. Tested positive in September. Still has no sense of smell/taste. Most food tastes of garlic she says. Much weakened physically - used to be a keen runner but struggles now. Attends a long covid clinic in her uni city. Previously fit and well and healthy. Has really knocked her