Prevalência de COVID-19 e sintomas pós-infeção entre os profissionais de enfermagem na atenção primária à saúde.

Background: Nursing professionals are a risk group for COVID-19 because they are in the front line of health care delivery. Objective: To determine the prevalence of COVID-19 infections and post-COVID-19 symptoms among nursing professionals in the primary health care sector and identify the factors associated. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among nursing professionals in the primary health care sector in a region of the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul. Data were collected in 2022 using an online questionnaire. Results: Among the professionals tested for COVID-19 (83.8%), 43.8% tested positive once, 16.4% were re-infected, and 39.6% experienced post-COVID-19 symptoms, mainly memory loss or difficulty concentrating, followed by body aches and loss of smell and taste, among others. The prevalence of COVID-19 infections and post-COVID-19 symptoms was higher among health professionals taking regular medication for a medically diagnosed chronic condition. Conclusion: Strategies for monitoring the health of nursing professionals are suggested, as the results will help manage future health crises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]