Nurses who have recovered from COVID-19 report ongoing symptoms – survey

Staff in Republic of Ireland cite problems with breathing, mental health and more

Most nurses who have recovered from COVID-19 are experiencing ongoing symptoms including breathing problems and mental health difficulties, according to a survey.

A total of 7,000 nurses and midwives were polled by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) in the Republic of Ireland, of which 545 said they had contracted and recovered from the disease. 

Of these 545 respondents, 497 (91%) said they continued to experience symptoms.

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A total of 65% reported fatigue, 21% had breathing/respiratory problems, 22% experienced headaches, and 4% reported nausea.

Additionally, 33% reported mental health difficulties such as stress or anxiety, and 10% experienced chest pain. 

Long-lasting effects of COVID-19

While the survey did not ask how long nurses had been experiencing symptoms after their recovery from COVID-19, an INMO spokesperson said some members reported experiencing issues with their health for months after recovering from the disease.

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Four in five (81%) of all the nurses and midwives surveyed, including those who did not contract COVID-19, said that working in the health service during the pandemic had affected their mental health. 

Call for more support for nurses after COVID-19 recovery

INMO general secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha said: ‘The impacts of this virus can be long-lasting, so nurses and midwives returning to work after recovery are going to need support.

‘For many, there will be a long road to full recovery.’

Read more about the survey

• INMO COVID-19 survey data

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