Long-term outcome after SARS-CoV-2 infection in healthcare workers: a single centre cohort study

BACKGROUND: Long-term symptoms after acute COVID-19 are highly debated. Nevertheless, data on long-term symptoms of COVID-19 in healthcare workers are scarce. METHODS: We assessed frequency and risk factors of persisting symptoms in a retrospective cohort of healthcare workers infected with SARS...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Aurélien Emmanuel Martinez, Florian Banderet, Niklaus D. Labhardt, Manuel Battegay
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: SMW supporting association (Trägerverein Swiss Medical Weekly SMW) 2021-10-01
Series:Swiss Medical Weekly
Online Access:https://www.smw.ch/index.php/smw/article/view/3095
Description
Summary:BACKGROUND: Long-term symptoms after acute COVID-19 are highly debated. Nevertheless, data on long-term symptoms of COVID-19 in healthcare workers are scarce. METHODS: We assessed frequency and risk factors of persisting symptoms in a retrospective cohort of healthcare workers infected with SARS-CoV-2. RESULTS: Persistent symptoms at 3 and 12 months were reported by 26.5% and 13.5% of participants, respectively. Most commonly reported symptoms were fatigue, impaired sense of taste or smell and general weakness. A history of depression or state of exhaustion, pre-existing lung disease and older age were associated with persisting symptoms. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that a relevant proportion of healthcare workers with mild COVID-19 report persisting symptoms over 3 and 12 months. Although in the majority of cases symptoms are mild, this study highlights the need for further research into causes and therapy.
ISSN:1424-3997