Over 10% of US Health Workers Report Persistent Long-COVID Symptoms: Study

TL/DR –

In a recent study, over one in 10 US healthcare personnel reported persistent moderate or severe long-COVID symptoms at both three and six months after infection. The study found that persistent symptoms were more likely in older individuals, females, those with multiple health conditions, and those with multiple COVID infections. Fatigue was the most commonly reported persistent symptom, and the study also found that recent COVID vaccination was associated with a 44% higher rate of persistent symptoms, a finding that researchers deemed “unexpected.”

Long-COVID Symptoms Persist in US Healthcare Personnel

A recent study in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine reveals that over 10% of US healthcare personnel (HCP) continue to experience moderate to severe long-COVID symptoms three and six months post-infection. Factors such as older age, female gender, multiple health complications, and repeated COVID infections are linked with higher chances of prolonged symptoms.

Tiredness: The Most Common Long-COVID Symptom

The research involved HCP from 17 states who tested positive for COVID between August 2022 to May 2024. Participants reported symptoms like fatigue, respiratory issues, dizziness, joint pains, loss of taste or smell, stomach pain, cognitive problems, and mood changes at three and six months post-infection. Out of the 1,496 participants, 11.3% stated they experienced at least one long-lasting symptom at both three and six months, with fatigue topping the list.

The Variation of Long-Covid Symptoms with Age, Gender, and Job Role

Older participants (50-64 years) had almost double the odds of persistent symptoms compared to those aged 18-29. Those 65 years and older showed three and a half times higher odds. Females had triple the rate of long-COVID symptoms compared to males. HCP with at least two pre-existing health conditions were 2.5 times more likely to have ongoing symptoms. Job role also influenced the persistence of symptoms, with physicians, nurses, and therapists reporting lower odds compared to other HCP roles.

Surprising Association Between Vaccination and Persistent Symptoms

The study unexpectedly found that recent COVID vaccination was associated with a 44% higher rate of persistent symptoms compared to those unvaccinated in the past six months. The researchers hypothesized potential selection or misclassification bias as the study relied on self-reported data without set benchmarks for symptom severity. They also cautioned against using the study to determine vaccination effects.

Despite these considerations, the research highlights the significant burden of long-COVID on HCP and implications for healthcare workforce sustainability, indicating potential needs for work accommodations, reduced hours, revised schedules, or role changes.

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