Long-term symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection in a cohort of hospital employees: duration and predictive factors, 2023, Rosalie Gruber et al

Purpose

To evaluate the frequency, duration and patterns of long-term coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) symptoms and to analyse risk factors for long-lasting COVID-19 sequelae among a cohort of hospital employees (HEs).

Methods

We conducted a survey regarding persistent COVID-19 related symptoms with all HEs from three medical centres in Cologne, Germany, who were tested SARS-CoV-2 PCR positive from March 2020 until May 2021. Duration of symptoms and possible risk factors for protracted COVID-19 course were analysed.

Results

Of 221 included HEs, a number of 104 HEs (47.1%) reported at least one persisting symptom for more than 90 days after initial SARS-CoV-2 detection. Each one cycle higher initial Ct value significantly increased the chances of overcoming symptoms (odds ratio [OR] = 1.05; p = 0.019). The occurrence of breathlessness within the first ten days (OR = 7.89; p = 0.008), an initial Ct value under 30 (OR = 3.36; p = 0.022) and a definitely nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 transmission (OR = 3.05; p = 0.049) showed a statistically significant association with increased odds of illness duration over 90 days.

Conclusion

About half of the HEs suffered from long lasting symptoms over 90 days after almost entirely mild acute COVID-19. Predictive factors could possibly be used for early treatment to prevent development of long-term symptoms after COVID-19 in future.

https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-2812977/v1

 

There are studies out that conclude that multiple reinfections can lead to LC and long term organ damage down the road for those who were only mildly affected.

 

Wow. S C I E N C E.

For sure they could. Genius. Why didn't anyone think of that before? That's the kind of high quality smart thinking you expect from real experts.