Study Shows 70% of Teens Recover from Long COVID Within Two Years

Researchers find that while most young people recover, 30% continue to experience symptoms, with girls and disadvantaged teens more affected.

The largest study of its kind tracked over 12,600 young people aged 11 to 17 in England over a two-year period following COVID-19 infection.
Of the 233 participants diagnosed with Long COVID three months post-infection, 70% had recovered within two years, while 30% still reported symptoms.
Persistent symptoms included fatigue, trouble sleeping, shortness of breath, and headaches, with affected teens reporting an average of five to six symptoms over time.
Girls, older teenagers, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds were less likely to recover within the two-year timeframe, highlighting disparities in recovery rates.
Researchers emphasize the need for further studies to understand why some teens do not recover and to develop effective treatments for Long COVID.