Background: COVID-19 is a highly infectious disease that caused a global pandemic and significantly impacted children in Kirkuk city. This study aimed to assess the various clinical presentations, signs, and symptoms of COVID-19 in children in Kirkuk to facilitate early diagnosis and isolation.
Methods: A community-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 120 children diagnosed with COVID-19 via PCR testing from nasal swabs. The children presented to the Pediatric Hospital in Kirkuk and private clinics between June 2020 and July 2021. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire detailing each child’s clinical condition.
Result: The findings revealed that children with COVID-19 presented with diverse symptoms, including fever, cough, nasal congestion, loss of smell or taste, and dyspnea. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain were also reported. Additional symptoms included headache, dizziness, muscle aches, and poor feeding.
Conclusions: Children infected with COVID-19 may exhibit a wide range of respiratory, gastrointestinal, neurological, or non-specific symptoms. Early PCR testing through nasal swabs is essential for timely diagnosis, isolation, and appropriate treatment.