Characteristics of COVID-19 Infection in Paediatric Patients: A Narrative Review

Aims: The COVID-19 pandemic has been a global crisis for more than two years, which caused an immense global burden on economy, health care and education. More than 250 million people have been infected with this novel virus, among which more than 5 million have died. Prevention is the best strategy against COVID-19 infection in both children and adults. This narrative review aimed at summarizing the important epidemiological and clinical findings of COVID-19 infection and its transmission, clinical manifestation, laboratory findings, radiographic findings, and diagnosis. Conclusion: Reports have shown that paediatric patients are often exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus through a family member, and that COVID-19 infection is a serious threat to this vulnerable age group. Milder or asymptomatic manifestations of this new disease in younger patients should not cause this population to be neglected. Numerous epidemiological and clinical studies have reported the burden of this novel infection in children and the chance of severe forms of infection, hospitalisation, and admission to ICU. However, many aspects of pathophysiological and immunological mechanisms regarding COVID-19 infection in children are still unexplained. Clinical characteristics of COVID-19 infection is different in children compared to adults, and a comprehensive knowledge regarding this distinction can lead to timely diagnosis and successful management of COVID-19 in these patients.