Post-COVID-19 Conditions in Children

Abstract

Japan has changed the classification in the infectious diseases law for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) from "pandemic influenza (novel influenza or re-emerging influenza) " to a "category V infectious disease (i.e., endemic infection)." This shift may indicate Japan's acceptance of COVID-19 in society given its decreasing severity and the development of treatment options. However, the post-COVID-19 condition (POSC) remains unresolved and presents a significant challenge. POSC poses health challenges and leads to various social problems, such as missed educational opportunities, misdiagnosis, stigma, and the use of ineffective medications among children. Therefore, addressing POSC requires a comprehensive social approach. Physicians should support affected children holistically and reintegrate them into their normal lives rather than relying solely on medication. Moreover, a better understanding of the pathophysiology of POSC and appropriate treatment methods is essential for elucidating its complex nature. This review discusses the epidemiology, symptoms, and treatment of POSC and identifies the associated challenges.