The association between prolonged SARS-CoV-2 symptoms and work outcomes

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Occupational Health
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• The early economic impacts of COVID-19 on the US labor market are known, but long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection and Long COVID on employment remain understudied.
• Understanding the persistent effects of SARS-CoV-2 on work is crucial for policy and support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate the effects of SARS-CoV-2 symptoms at three months post-infection on missed workdays and return to work.
• To identify risk factors associated with work loss following SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of self-reported data from 2,939 employed adults in the prospective Innovative Support for Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Infections Registry (INSPIRE) study.
• Participants completed baseline and three-month electronic surveys assessing SARS-CoV-2 symptoms and work status.

Main Results:

• At three months post-infection, 40.8% reported at least one SARS-CoV-2 symptom, and 9.6% reported five or more symptoms.
• 13.9% of participants had not returned to work, and 7.2% reported missing ≥10 workdays due to infection.
• Participants with ≥5 symptoms had significantly higher odds of missing ≥10 workdays (aOR 2.96) and not returning to work (aOR 2.44) compared to asymptomatic individuals.

Conclusions:

• Prolonged SARS-CoV-2 symptoms are prevalent and associated with substantial work loss.
• The number of symptoms at three months post-infection is a key predictor of missed work and return-to-work challenges.
• Policymakers must consider the clinical and economic implications of Long COVID on employment and absenteeism.