Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and trajectory of persistent symptoms following COVID and to investigate factors influencing these among employees in the health and welfare services in Germany.
Methods: This exploratory, mixed retro- and prospective cohort study using paper-and-pencil questionnaires was conducted among insured persons of the German Social Accident Insurance Institution for the health and welfare services with a SARS-CoV-2 infection in The baseline survey in February was succeeded by two follow-up surveys after 8 and 13 months.
Demographic data, information on the acute illness and persistent symptoms were collected. Kaplan-Meier curves were created to visualize the course of recovery. Factors influencing the time to recovery were analyzed using multivariate Cox regressions. The most common persistent symptoms at all three survey time points were fatigue, concentration and memory problems, and dyspnea.
After three months, Significant risk factors for persistent symptoms were female sex HR: 0. Respiratory and hormone-metabolic pre-existing conditions as well as severe dyspnea, smell or taste disorders, fatigue and memory or concentration problems during the acute COVID illness also reduced the probability of complete recovery.
Compared to other professions, working as a doctor had a protective effect HR: 1. Conclusion: More than a year after a COVID illness, two-thirds of the healthcare staff surveyed reported persistent symptoms.
