Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

November 30, 2020

Delayed Healthcare Seeking and Prolonged Illness in Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Single-Centre Observational Study

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A cross-sectional study at a London hospital found that some healthcare workers with severe symptoms of COVID-19 delayed seeking medical attention. Of 236 healthcare workers who reported symptoms consistent with COVID-19, the most common symptoms were cough (76%), fever (59%), breathlessness (36%), and loss of smell (42%). Five of nine respondents experiencing severe breathlessness and hypoxia did not seek formal medical treatment. Two respondents required hospitalization and recovered after oxygen therapy. 84 respondents (41%) required greater than the obligated 7 days off work, and 9 required greater than 3 weeks off.

de Wilton et al. (Nov 26, 2020). Delayed Healthcare Seeking and Prolonged Illness in Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Single-Centre Observational Study. BMJ Open. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-040216