ResearchPublications

Commentary: “The rise in new diagnoses of COVID-19 among adolescents and young adults (AYAs) in the United States is concerning. Contrary to widespread belief early in the pandemic, AYAs are vulnerable to the consequences of COVID-19. Although most AYAs who contract COVID-19 exhibit no or mild symptoms, recent national data indicate that an increasing number of AYAs experience severe outcomes including hospitalization, intensive care, the need for ventilation, and even death. Moreover, emerging evidence shows that AYAs, as with other demographic groups, experience lingering health complications long after the acute phase of infection, irrespective of the severity of initial COVID-19 infection. These persistent health complications may lead to other physical, social, and emotional consequences. As one example, “brain fog,” an ongoing symptom of COVID-19, can affect individuals’ ability to concentrate, which may hinder AYAs’ educational achievement and academic opportunities. Other potential long-term consequences of COVID-19 diagnosis are still not known. Adolescents and young adults are also believed to be significant contributors to community transmission. Thus, AYAs represent an important population for targeted COVID-19 prevention efforts.”