Background The phenomenon of post-COVID syndrome (PCS) is evolving from an abstract array of non-specific symptoms to an identifiable clinical entity of variable severity. Its frequency and persistence have implications for service delivery and workforce planning. Aims This study was aimed to assess the prevalence of symptoms consistent with PCS and the subjective degree of recovery in a cohort of healthcare workers, focusing on those who have returned to work. Methods A study population of 1176 was surveyed when attending for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibody testing. Two sub-groups were identified: those with known (i.e. diagnosed on PCR testing) and assumed (i.e. antibody evidence of previous infection) SARs-CoV-2 infection, at least 12 weeks prior to the study. Each group was asked about their subjective degree of recovery and the nature of their persistent symptoms. Results were analysed via excel and SPSS. Results In total, 144 employees showed PCR evidence of previous infection, with 139 of these being infected at least 12 weeks prior to the study. Of these 139, only 19% (n = 26) reported feeling 100% recovered, and 71% reported persistent symptoms. Of those with assumed SARS-CoV-2 infection (n = 78), 32 (41%) were truly asymptomatic since the commencement of the pandemic, while 46 (59%) described symptoms suggestive of possible infection at least 12 weeks prior to the study. Of this latter group, 23% (n = 18) also reported residual symptoms. Conclusions PCS is prevalent among this group, including those not previously diagnosed with COVID-19. Its’ frequency and duration present challenges to employers with regards to the management of work availability and performance.

中文翻译：

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COVID后症状对医疗保健部门的潜在影响

背景 COVID 后综合征 (PCS) 现象正在从一系列抽象的非特异性症状演变为可识别的不同严重程度的临床实体。它的频率和持续性对服务交付和劳动力规划有影响。目的 本研究旨在评估一组医护人员中与 PCS 一致的症状的流行率和主观康复程度，重点关注那些已重返工作岗位的人。方法 在参加严重急性呼吸系统综合症冠状病毒 2 (SARS-CoV-2) 抗体检测时，对 1176 名研究人群进行了调查。确定了两个亚组：在研究前至少 12 周已知（即通过 PCR 检测诊断）和假定（即先前感染的抗体证据）感染 SARs-CoV-2 的亚组。每组都被问及他们的主观恢复程度和持续症状的性质。结果通过excel和SPSS进行分析。结果 总共有 144 名员工显示了先前感染的 PCR 证据，其中 139 人在研究前至少 12 周被感染。在这 139 人中，只有 19%（n = 26）报告感觉 100% 康复，71% 报告持续症状。在假定感染 SARS-CoV-2 的人（n = 78）中，32 人（41%）自大流行开始以来确实没有症状，而 46 人（59%）在大流行前至少 12 周描述了可能感染的症状学习。在后一组中，23%（n = 18）还报告了残留症状。结论 PCS 在这一人群中很普遍，包括那些以前没有被诊断出患有 COVID-19 的人群。