SARS-CoV-2 Infection and COVID-19 in Children

Clin Chest Med. 2023 Jun;44(2):359-371. doi: 10.1016/j.ccm.2022.11.014. Epub 2022 Nov 22.

Abstract

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is common in children, and clinical manifestations can vary depending on age, underlying disease, and vaccination status. Most children will have asymptomatic or mild infection, but certain baseline characteristics can increase the risk of moderate to severe disease. The following article will provide an overview of the clinical manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 in children, including the post-infectious phenomenon called multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. Currently available treatment and prophylaxis strategies will be outlined, with the caveat that new therapeutics and clinical efficacy data are constantly on the horizon.

Keywords: COVID-19; Children; MIS-C; Pediatrics; SARS-CoV-2.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19* / complications
  • Child
  • Humans
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome / therapy

Supplementary concepts

  • pediatric multisystem inflammatory disease, COVID-19 related