COVID-19 Reinfection Rates High Among Primary Healthcare Workers in Jiangsu Province

Strategic Insights -

A recent study conducted by researchers from Southeast University in Jiangsu Province, China, has highlighted the high rates of COVID-19 reinfection among primary healthcare workers (PHWs) in the region. The study found that nearly 30% of PHWs in Jiangsu Province had experienced COVID-19 reinfection, with women, nurses, and those working in fever clinics being at a higher risk of reinfection. The study also identified regular physical exercise as a protective factor against COVID-19 reinfection.

Key Takeaways:

  • COVID-19 reinfection rates were relatively high among PHWs in Jiangsu Province, with a self-reported reinfection rate of 40.05% (95% CI: 38.65-41.44%) at the baseline visit.
  • The median reinfection interval between the two infections was 146 days (Interquartile range: 129-164 days).
  • Female sex (OR = 1.376, 95% CI: 1.190-1.592), history of fever clinic work (OR = 1.179, 95% CI: 1.045-1.330), working over 8 h per day (OR = 1.178, 95% CI: 1.040-1.336), being a nurse (OR = 1.201, 95% CI: 1.029-1.402), and a 'less meat, more vegetables' diet (OR = 1.206, 95% CI: 1.020-1.426) were significant risk factors for reinfection.
  • Regular physical exercise was found to be a protective factor (OR = 0.861, 95% CI: 0.754-0.983).
  • The study's findings emphasize the need for targeted protective measures for high-risk groups, including PHWs, including appropriate work arrangements, regular health monitoring, and the promotion of healthy lifestyle habits.

Statistics:

  • 5,541 PHWs were included in the study.
  • The initial infection rate at the baseline visit was 85.85% (95% CI: 84.93-86.77%).
  • The self-reported reinfection rate at the baseline visit was 40.05% (95% CI: 38.65-41.44%).
  • The median reinfection interval between the two infections was 146 days (Interquartile range: 129-164 days).

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Reports from Southeast University Highlight Recent Research in COVID-19 (Analysis of COVID-19 reinfection and its influencing factors among primary healthcare workers in Jiangsu Province: a study based on the omicron variant epidemic). Medical Letter on the CDC & FDA. June 22, 2025; p 141.
  • Analysis of COVID-19 reinfection and its influencing factors among primary healthcare workers in Jiangsu Province: a study based on the omicron variant epidemic. Frontiers in Public Health, 2025, 13. (Frontiers in Public Health - http://journal.frontiersin.org/journal/public-health)
  • Mingwang Fu, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.