Original article
Vol. 151 No. 4142 (2021)
Long-term outcome after SARS-CoV-2 infection in healthcare workers: a single centre cohort study
- Aurélien Emmanuel Martinez
- Florian Banderet
- Niklaus D. Labhardt
- Manuel Battegay
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.
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