Health
•
Long COVID: Higher Risk for Healthcare Workers
## Long COVID Poses Significant Risk to Healthcare Workers: New Studies Reveal High Prevalence
**New research indicates a substantially higher prevalence of long COVID among healthcare workers (HCWs) compared to the general population.** A meta-analysis of 28 studies, encompassing 6,481 HCWs, published in *BMJ Public Health*, found a pooled prevalence of long COVID at 40% (95% confidence interval [CI], 29% to 51%) within 22 weeks of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This significantly exceeds the estimated 8% prevalence in the general US population. While the prevalence decreased to 26% (95% CI, 7% to 46%) after 12 months in studies with longer follow-up, the findings remain alarming. The most common long COVID symptoms reported among HCWs were fatigue (35%), neurological symptoms (25%), loss or decrease of smell and/or taste (25%), muscle ache (22%), and shortness of breath (19%).
A separate study published in *Scientific Reports*, surveying 267 team members from 186 German dental practices, revealed a 23% long COVID rate among dental professionals. This study showed higher rates among auxiliary personnel (including assistants and hygienists) than dentists, with lower vaccination rates correlating with higher long COVID prevalence in auxiliary staff. Exhaustion, fatigue, and lack of concentration were the most frequently reported symptoms. While a 10% difference in long COVID incidence was observed between vaccinated and unvaccinated dental personnel, the study's small sample size precluded definitive conclusions regarding vaccination's protective effect.
Further research, published in *BMC Public Health*, explored the link between long COVID and functional disability in Brazilian adults and older adults. This cross-sectional study, utilizing data from the SulCovid-19 study, found a 4.8% prevalence of Basic Activities of Daily Living (BADL) disability and an 8.4% prevalence of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) disability among those with COVID-19. Respiratory symptoms were strongly associated with BADL disability, while respiratory, musculoskeletal, and sensory symptoms were linked to IADL disability. The study also highlighted a higher likelihood of IADL disability (up to 80%) among individuals with multiple long COVID symptoms. These findings underscore the significant impact of long COVID on daily life and the need for appropriate care and rehabilitation. The high prevalence of long COVID among HCWs necessitates policy interventions addressing workload management and ensuring adequate rest for affected individuals to mitigate the impact on the healthcare workforce.
**New research indicates a substantially higher prevalence of long COVID among healthcare workers (HCWs) compared to the general population.** A meta-analysis of 28 studies, encompassing 6,481 HCWs, published in *BMJ Public Health*, found a pooled prevalence of long COVID at 40% (95% confidence interval [CI], 29% to 51%) within 22 weeks of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This significantly exceeds the estimated 8% prevalence in the general US population. While the prevalence decreased to 26% (95% CI, 7% to 46%) after 12 months in studies with longer follow-up, the findings remain alarming. The most common long COVID symptoms reported among HCWs were fatigue (35%), neurological symptoms (25%), loss or decrease of smell and/or taste (25%), muscle ache (22%), and shortness of breath (19%).
A separate study published in *Scientific Reports*, surveying 267 team members from 186 German dental practices, revealed a 23% long COVID rate among dental professionals. This study showed higher rates among auxiliary personnel (including assistants and hygienists) than dentists, with lower vaccination rates correlating with higher long COVID prevalence in auxiliary staff. Exhaustion, fatigue, and lack of concentration were the most frequently reported symptoms. While a 10% difference in long COVID incidence was observed between vaccinated and unvaccinated dental personnel, the study's small sample size precluded definitive conclusions regarding vaccination's protective effect.
Further research, published in *BMC Public Health*, explored the link between long COVID and functional disability in Brazilian adults and older adults. This cross-sectional study, utilizing data from the SulCovid-19 study, found a 4.8% prevalence of Basic Activities of Daily Living (BADL) disability and an 8.4% prevalence of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) disability among those with COVID-19. Respiratory symptoms were strongly associated with BADL disability, while respiratory, musculoskeletal, and sensory symptoms were linked to IADL disability. The study also highlighted a higher likelihood of IADL disability (up to 80%) among individuals with multiple long COVID symptoms. These findings underscore the significant impact of long COVID on daily life and the need for appropriate care and rehabilitation. The high prevalence of long COVID among HCWs necessitates policy interventions addressing workload management and ensuring adequate rest for affected individuals to mitigate the impact on the healthcare workforce.
