Curie Brief
Turn on cookies to sign in
Signing in saves your progress to your Curie account. We can only do that with cookies on — turn them on to continue.
News
Over 1 in 10 US healthcare workers are still battling long-COVID symptoms months after infection, a new study reveals. Published in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine, the research found that older age, female sex, multiple health conditions, and repeat COVID infections all raised the risk of persistent symptoms. Fatigue topped the list — and the burden could have real consequences for healthcare staffing.
More than 11% of US healthcare personnel (HCP) reported at least one persistent moderate or severe long-COVID symptom at both three and six months post-infection, according to a new study from University of Iowa Health Care published in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine. The study tracked 1,496 HCP from 17 states who tested positive for COVID between August 2022 and May 2024 — and the findings paint a concerning picture for workforce sustainability.
Fatigue was the most commonly reported symptom, and certain groups were hit harder than others. Women were three times more likely than men to report persistent symptoms, while HCP aged 65+ had 3.5 times the odds compared to those aged 18–29. Those with multiple underlying conditions or a prior COVID infection within the year also faced significantly elevated risk.
By the Numbers:
Why it matters: Long COVID isn't just a patient problem — it's a workforce crisis in the making. With over 1 in 10 healthcare workers experiencing lingering symptoms, health systems may need to rethink staffing models, accommodations, and scheduling to keep their teams functional and supported.
