<
https://www.otago.ac.nz/news/newsroom/many-children-suffering-ongoing-covid-symptoms>
"More than 20 per cent of children and young people in Aotearoa New Zealand are
experiencing significant persistent health symptoms following Covid-19
infection, according to a new Otago-led study.
Published in the
International Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, the
study led by researchers from University of Otago, Wellington – Ōtākou Whakaihu
Waka, Pōneke is one of the most comprehensive assessments of the effects of
Covid-19 on youth health in New Zealand to date.
Researchers surveyed more than 4200 children and young adults aged 3–20 years
between November 2022 and April 2023, following New Zealand’s first widespread
Covid-19 community transmission in early 2022.
More than 70 per cent of participants reported a confirmed Covid-19 infection.
One in four reported experiencing more frequent coughs, colds, and stomach bugs
since infection, while one in five reported ongoing symptoms such as headaches
(21.7 per cent), fatigue (20.6 per cent), stomach aches (14.6 per cent), and
new anxiety (13.1 per cent).
Prior to Covid-19’s widespread arrival, 82.6 per cent of children rated their
health as “very good” or “excellent” — that number dropped to 66.9 per cent
after the Omicron variant waves.
Children who had Covid-19 were significantly more likely to rate their health
as “fair” or “poor” compared to those who did not.
Children with pre-existing health conditions, such as asthma or ADHD, were more
likely to develop post-Covid symptoms. However, many previously healthy
children also reported new difficulties, including fatigue, persistent coughs,
concentration issues, and sleep disturbances.
Lead author Associate Professor Julie Bennett, from the Department of Public
Health, emphasises the importance of preventing Covid-19 infections, as
long-term symptoms can affect children's ability to participate in daily
activities and attend school.
“Reducing infections to key to preventing Long Covid. Simple steps like opening
windows to improve ventilation in classrooms, workplaces and at home helps
reduce the spread of Covid-19 to others.”"
Via Violet Blue’s
Threat Model - Covid: July 3, 2025
https://www.patreon.com/posts/covid-july-3-133203780
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
