Millions of individuals are grappling with long-lasting symptoms of Covid-19, even after recovering from their initial infections. Recent studies focusing on pregnant individuals and children shed light on the often overlooked burden of long Covid. These findings were presented at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine's annual meeting in National Harbor, Maryland.

The first study examined the long-term effects of Covid-19 in pregnant individuals. Data from the National Institutes of Health's Recover Initiative showed that 9.3% of the 1,503 pregnant people in the dataset reported experiencing symptoms six months or more after being infected. The most common symptoms reported were fatigue after light physical or mental activity and dizziness.

Compared to the general population, the percentage of pregnant individuals experiencing long Covid appears to be relatively low. Various studies have estimated the proportion of adults with long Covid to range from 2.5% to 25%, although definitions of "long" Covid may vary. Co-author Dr. Torri Metz from the University of Utah Health suggests that the lower prevalence of long Covid in pregnant individuals could be attributed to factors such as less baseline medical complications and a different immune response.

Pregnant individuals typically have a more tolerant immune system, which can make them more vulnerable to viruses. However, this can also mean that their bodies develop less inflammation in response to infections like Covid-19. Studies have linked prolonged inflammation after Covid-19 to potential impacts on the brain, lungs, and kidneys. Therefore, pregnant individuals may have lower rates of surrounding organ damage and complex consequences associated with long Covid.

Certain risk factors were identified among pregnant individuals who developed long Covid. These included obesity, a diagnosis of chronic anxiety or depression, and the need for supplemental oxygen during Covid-19 illness. Interestingly, the trimester in which Covid-19 was contracted did not significantly impact the risk of long Covid, and vaccination status also did not play a significant role.

Socioeconomic factors were found to influence the incidence of long Covid among pregnant individuals. The study highlighted a high proportion of individuals reporting difficulties in paying their bills, raising concerns about access to necessary care.

In a separate study published in the journal Pediatrics, researchers examined the impact of long Covid on children. It was found that up to 6 million children have developed long Covid, with a third of them still experiencing symptoms a year after their initial infection. Common long Covid symptoms in children included cough, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and fatigue.

Dr. Amy Edwards, from UH Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, emphasizes the importance of recognizing the impact of long Covid on young individuals. Although many children eventually recover from long Covid, Edwards cautions against downplaying the long-term consequences, such as missing out on formative experiences.

The research also highlighted a higher risk of autoimmune conditions, including type 1 diabetes, in children following a Covid-19 infection, even if the initial illness was mild or asymptomatic. Factors linking children with long Covid are still not fully understood, but studies suggest that housing and food insecurity, as well as disrupted access to healthcare, may contribute to decreased immune functioning.

While the number of patients seeking care for long Covid has somewhat decreased, pediatric long Covid clinics continue to witness a significant demand. Although the waiting lists have shortened, young individuals still face a prolonged wait time of around five months to access specialized clinics.

Further research is required to thoroughly examine the outcomes of infants born to pregnant individuals who developed long Covid. These studies contribute to a better understanding of the risk factors, impact, and long-term consequences of long Covid in both pregnant individuals and children.