Return-to-Play Post-COVID-19 in 2023: A Pediatric Case Report

Abstract

As pediatric-focused nurse practitioners continue to grapple with the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on youth since 2020, they are simultaneously faced with navigating what it looks like to ensure the success and health of children moving forward from the pandemic. Despite the relaxation of COVID-19 guidelines in many schools and athletic programs across the country, ensuring a safe return-to-play post-COVID-19 infection must continue to be a priority for pediatric-focused nurse practitioners. Here, we present the case of a 13-year-old female who was seen in a primary care clinic after reporting dizziness and shortness of breath with activity post-COVID-19 infection. After further workup, it was determined her symptoms were most consistent with shortness of breath and dizziness related to coughing induced by activity.

Keywords: COVID-19; adolescent; athlete; case report; return to play.