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Protecting healthcare workers from SARS-CoV-2 and other infections

Mengding Chen1, Xin Wei1, Zhengguang Wang2

  • 1First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei230000, China.

Epidemiology and Infection
|September 21, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Healthcare workers faced high COVID-19 infection risks, particularly early in the pandemic. Understanding these risks and protective measures, drawing from China

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Occupational Safety

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, emerged in December 2019, posing a significant global health threat.
  • Healthcare workers (HCWs) are critical in managing infectious disease outbreaks but face elevated occupational risks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review literature on the risks and influencing factors for HCW infections during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • To identify lessons from China's experience in protecting HCWs that could be applicable globally.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive review of existing literature data was conducted.
  • Analysis focused on factors affecting HCW occupational safety and infection risk during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Main Results:

  • HCWs were identified as a high-risk group for SARS-CoV-2 infection, especially during the early phases of the pandemic.
  • Multiple factors were found to significantly impact the occupational safety of HCWs.

Conclusions:

  • The Chinese experience in controlling SARS-CoV-2 transmission offers valuable insights for protecting HCWs.
  • Lessons learned can inform strategies to safeguard HCWs against COVID-19 and other respiratory pathogens.

Keywords:
COVID-19SARS-CoV-2healthcare workers

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