The Impact of Stress on Health in Childhood and Adolescence in the Era of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: The ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is posing many challenges to global health. Efforts from the whole scientific community have shed light on the pathogenetic mechanisms and the clinical features of SARS-CoV-2 infection as well as on potential therapeutic strategies. Summary: The consequences of stress related to social isolation and anxiety generated by the pandemic on mental and physical health are collateral effects that are yet poorly investigated.

Automated summary

The COVID-19 pandemic poses challenges to global health, with efforts from the scientific community shedding light on the pathogenetic mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 infection and potential therapeutic strategies. However, the impact of social isolation and pandemic-related anxiety on mental and physical health remains poorly investigated.