Children, youth and families ~ Canada

Long COVID in Children and Youth

Recognizing the symptoms, supporting children at school, and finding trusted resources for families across Canada.

  • 12 common symptoms
  • 6 support resources
  • Sept 2026 last reviewed
Why this matters

More than five years into the pandemic, long COVID in children and youth is still too often dismissed, minimized or misdiagnosed across Canada.

Official prevalence estimates can appear reassuringly low, yet families and experts caution that diagnostic bias and gaps in care mean many children are being missed. This page brings together what families need to know, from the patient perspective.

Recognizing the signs

Common long COVID symptoms in children

Understanding the symptoms is the first step toward better care and recognition. Long COVID can look different in every child, and these are among the most commonly reported.

  • Young boy in a striped sweater resting his head on an open book

    Fatigue

    Children with long COVID often struggle with ongoing fatigue. Even with enough rest they may still feel drained, which can make it difficult to keep up with school, sports or everyday activities.

  • Young girl in a striped t shirt holding her head against a pink background

    Headaches

    Headaches and migraines are another lingering symptom for some children. They can be intense enough to disrupt focus, making it harder to feel well and stay engaged in daily life.

  • Teenage boy in a grey hoodie sitting against a concrete wall, looking down

    Neurological impact on mental health

    SARS-CoV-2 can have profound effects on the brain. Children and young adults may experience depression, anxiety or panic attacks as a direct consequence, not simply as a psychological response.

  • Person holding their abdomen in pain

    Gastrointestinal symptoms

    Long COVID can affect the digestive system, causing nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting. These symptoms may come and go, yet can significantly disrupt eating, hydration and quality of life.

  • Young man in a plaid shirt in a classroom, scratching his head in thought

    Cognitive impairment

    SARS-CoV-2 can affect the brain, resulting in poor concentration, memory loss and difficulty completing mental tasks. For children, this can interfere with learning, problem solving and development.

  • Young boy with a buzz cut holding the back of his neck in pain

    Muscle and joint pain

    Inflammation can leave children with ongoing soreness, weakness or reduced range of motion, interfering with their ability to exercise, build strength or maintain independence in everyday life.

  • Young girl with a braided ponytail wearing an oxygen mask

    Breathing difficulties

    Some children develop lasting shortness of breath, chest discomfort or a persistent cough. These can affect play, exercise and daily routines, regardless of how severe the original infection was.

  • Illustration for sleep problems in children with long COVID

    Persistent sleep problems

    SARS-CoV-2 can affect the brain regions that regulate sleep and breathing, leading to insomnia, frequent waking or excessive sleepiness. These are neurological effects, not simply stress or habit changes.

  • Baby with a red rash on the face

    Skin rashes and mouth sores

    Some children develop itchy hives, rashes and painful sores inside the mouth that make eating or brushing difficult. These can be driven by newly developed mast cell activation and inflammation, not just allergies.

  • Dentist examining a young child’s mouth

    Dental concerns

    After COVID, some children develop mouth sores, more cavities or tooth pain. The virus can damage the glands that produce saliva, leaving teeth more fragile and in need of care from dentists who understand these changes.

  • Young boy putting on a shirt with Holter monitor patches tracking his heart rate

    POTS and dysautonomia

    Long COVID can injure or dysregulate the autonomic nervous system, leading to POTS and other forms of orthostatic intolerance. Signs include dizziness, a racing heart on standing, fainting, chest discomfort and exercise intolerance.

  • Young girl with dark hair resting in bed in a red polka dot top

    Post exertional symptom exacerbation (PEM)

    Even small amounts of physical or mental activity can trigger a delayed worsening of symptoms. Fatigue, pain and cognitive problems may intensify hours or days later and last for an extended period.

At school

Long COVID in schools

Long COVID, also known as post COVID-19 condition (PCC), can have profound effects on a child's health, education and future wellbeing. Persistent fatigue, brain fog, pain, anxiety and sleep problems can last months or even years.

These symptoms affect learning, concentration, attendance, safety and social participation. Without the right support, children risk falling behind indefinitely.

Classroom density matters too. Research shows that overcrowding can undermine even well designed ventilation and public health measures, allowing viruses to spread more easily.

Clean classroom air

Guides for healthier indoor air

Clean classroom air is a vital safeguard against COVID-19, measles and other airborne illnesses, as well as wildfire smoke and pollution. These resources are ready to share with your school.

  • Canada ~ PDF ~ CPCHE

    A Collective Call for Action on Healthy Indoor Air in Schools and Child Care

    From the Canadian Partnership for Children's Health and Environment: a brief urging governments to fund indoor air quality standards for education settings, ventilation and filtration upgrades, clear communication, and action focused on equity, including for communities on reserve.

    Open the PDF (opens in a new tab)
  • Canada ~ PDF ~ CAN-PCC

    Long COVID at School: Recommendations and Good Practice

    Urges policymakers and schools to provide flexible, individualized accommodations and to improve indoor air by optimizing ventilation and adding filtration, such as HEPA or MERV 13 filters, portable HEPA units or Corsi Rosenthal boxes.

    Open the PDF (opens in a new tab)
  • Guide ~ IQAir

    7 Back to School Clean Air Tips for Classrooms

    Practical steps for a healthier return to class, from equipping children with masks, sanitizer and water bottles to keeping sick children home, working with teachers and schools, and considering a personal desk purifier for students at higher risk.

    Read the guide (opens in a new tab)
Support and resources

Where families can turn

Organizations, communities and guides focused on children and youth living with long COVID.

Keep exploring

Research, clinics and resources

Studies and research

Research opportunities in Canada, including studies for children.

View studies →

Long COVID clinics

Clinics and healthcare providers across Canada, mapped in one place.

Find a clinic →

Guides and resources

Vetted guides and organizations for long COVID, ME/CFS and POTS.

Explore resources →
Common questions

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common long COVID symptoms in children?

Commonly reported symptoms include fatigue, headaches, brain fog and difficulty concentrating, stomach problems, muscle and joint pain, breathing difficulties, sleep problems, skin rashes and mouth sores, dizziness or a racing heart on standing (POTS), and a delayed worsening of symptoms after activity. Symptoms vary from child to child.

Can children develop long COVID after a mild infection?

Yes. Long COVID can follow infections of any severity, and children may develop lasting symptoms regardless of how severe their original illness was.

How can schools support a child with long COVID?

The CAN-PCC good practice statement recommends flexible, individualized accommodations such as flexible schedules, reduced workloads and inclusion in individualized education plans, along with cleaner indoor air through ventilation and filtration.

Where can I find a long COVID clinic for my child?

Use the long COVID clinic map on this site to see programs across Canada. Many programs focus on adults, so ask your child’s doctor or pediatrician about referral options in your province.

Where can Canadian families find support?

The Canadian Covid Society shares guidance on clean air and long COVID awareness, and international groups such as Long Covid Kids and Long Covid Families support children and their caregivers. You can also share your family’s story on this site.

Has your family been affected by long COVID?

Sharing your experience helps raise awareness and shape better care for children across Canada.

Share your story

Please note: Listing a resource here is not an endorsement, and nothing on this page is medical advice. Please speak with your child's healthcare provider about their care.