All Pediatric Patients Suffering from Long-Term Aftereffects Are Unvaccinated
[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Nayeon] A pediatric specialist revealed that one in ten children infected with COVID-19 in Hong Kong suffer from long-term aftereffects such as memory and concentration decline, and all of these children were unvaccinated.
On the 14th, according to Hong Kong media including public broadcaster RTHK, Mike Kwan, head of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Department at Princess Margaret Hospital in Hong Kong, told reporters that the cognitive abilities of children who have recovered from COVID-19 can be affected, stating the following.
He reported that after treating about 130 children who contracted and recovered from COVID-19 during the fifth wave of the pandemic this year, approximately one-tenth showed suspected long-term aftereffects such as memory and concentration decline, headaches, insomnia, shortness of breath, fatigue, cough, and muscle pain.
He added that all children suffering from these long-term aftereffects were unvaccinated, and the symptoms persisted for several weeks after recovery from COVID-19.
Kwan also stated that about 30 children infected with COVID-19 experienced pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome, some of whom were in serious condition and required intensive care.
He explained, "This is due to a 'cytokine storm' (a complication caused by an excessive immune response). Cytokine storms can damage many organs such as the brain, lungs, and heart, but we actually do not know the long-term outcomes of this condition. Therefore, I hope children get vaccinated to prevent COVID-19 infection."
As of the 13th, the COVID-19 vaccination rate for children aged 3 to 11 in Hong Kong is 72%.
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