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Long COVID Poses Significant Occupational Health Concern Among Healthcare Workers in Romania

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A new study conducted by researchers from the Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Romania has shed light on the prevalence of Long COVID among healthcare workers in a pediatric hospital. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, aimed to evaluate the prevalence of Long COVID, symptom patterns, work-related impact, and vaccination status among healthcare personnel in the hospital. The findings indicate that Long COVID affected 28.6% of the participants, with excessive fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, respiratory difficulties, and cognitive complaints being the most common symptoms.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that Long COVID affected 28.6% of the 903 hospital employees surveyed, with excessive fatigue being the most common symptom (53.5%).
  • Staff with chronic comorbidities or increased exposure risk had significantly higher rates of functional impairment.
  • Vaccination was not significantly associated with the presence of Long COVID symptoms, although fewer reinfections were reported among vaccinated individuals.
  • Older age and comorbidities were correlated with higher risk of Long COVID.
  • The study concluded that Long COVID poses a significant occupational health concern among healthcare workers, particularly in high-risk groups.
  • The researchers emphasized the need for long-term occupational health strategies and individualized support programs for HCWs affected by Long COVID.
  • The study highlights the importance of vaccination in preventing reinfections, but notes that vaccination does not guarantee immunity to Long COVID.
  • The findings suggest that healthcare workers in high-risk groups may require additional support and resources to manage their Long COVID symptoms.

Statistics:

  • 28.6% of the 903 hospital employees surveyed reported experiencing Long COVID symptoms.
  • Excessive fatigue was reported by 53.5% of the participants with Long COVID.
  • 60.1% of participants with Long COVID reported experiencing musculoskeletal pain.
  • 78.1% of participants with Long COVID reported respiratory difficulties.
  • Vaccination was not significantly associated with the presence of Long COVID symptoms (p-value = 0.67).
  • Fewer reinfections were reported among vaccinated individuals (12.3% vs. 24.1%, p-value = 0.004).

Sources:

  • Gurzu, I. L., et al. (2025). Long COVID in Healthcare Workers from a Pediatric Hospital in Romania: A Cross-Sectional Study of Prevalence, Symptom Burden, and the Role of Vaccination and Reinfection. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 14(16).
  • NewsRx (2025, September 21). Findings from Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy Broadens Understanding of COVID-19 (Long COVID in Healthcare Workers from a Pediatric Hospital in Romania: A Cross-Sectional Study of Prevalence, Symptom Burden, and the Role of ...). Medical Letter on the CDC & FDA, p 79.

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