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COVID-19

COVID-19 and Respiratory Illness Prevalence High Among UK Healthcare Workers

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Research released by the UK Health Security Agency has shown that a significant number of healthcare workers in the UK took sick leave due to respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, influenza, and RSV, during winter 2023/24. The study, which analyzed data from the SIREN cohort, found that 35.8% of participants took sick leave, resulting in 10,168 days of absence. The research highlights the substantial burden of respiratory illness on the healthcare workforce and its implications for healthcare resilience.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study analyzed data from 5,287 participants in the SIREN cohort, with 78.3% being female and a median age of 54 years.
  • There were 1,828 infections reported among 1,659 participants, with influenza and RSV peaking in December and SARS-CoV-2 peaking in September and December 2023.
  • The total number of sick leave days taken was 10,168, with a median of 5 days per person and a range of 1-98 days.
  • Respiratory illness caused a significant burden on the healthcare workforce, with all three viruses contributing to the stress on healthcare resilience.
  • The study highlights the importance of vaccination and public health measures to mitigate the impact of respiratory viruses on healthcare workers.

Statistics:

  • 35.8% of participants took sick leave due to respiratory illness (1892/5287)
  • 10,168 days of sick leave were taken by participants (median 5 days per person; range 1-98 days)
  • 1828 infections were reported among 1659 participants
  • 78.3% of participants were female
  • Median age of participants was 54 years

Sources:

  • Prevalence and impact of SARS-CoV-2, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection and respiratory illness on UK healthcare workers during winter 2023/24 (September 2023 to March 2024): SIREN cohort study. Journal of Infection, 2025;91(4):106620.
  • NewsRx. Researchers at UK Health Security Agency Release New Data on COVID-19 [Prevalence and impact of SARS-CoV-2, influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection and respiratory illness on UK healthcare workers during winter 2023/24 (September ...]. Clinical Trials Week. October 20, 2025; p 194.

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