Persistent post-COVID symptoms and gaps in long COVID diagnosis among healthcare workers: a cross-sectional survey in two Spanish hospitals

Aims To estimate the prevalence of persistent post-COVID symptoms and self-reported long COVID diagnosis among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Spain, and to describe differences by sex, age and occupational group. Methods Cross-sectional study based on an online survey conducted in two Spanish public hospitals (Alicante and Barcelona) in 2023–2024. The study included HCWs with a previous COVID-19 infection. Outcomes were (1) persistent symptoms lasting > 3 months after acute infection and (2) formal medical diagnosis of long COVID. Descriptive analyses estimated prevalence and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), overall and stratified by sex, age and occupational group. Results A total of 363 HCWs (79.9% women) responded to the survey. Overall, 48.5% (95% CI 43.4–53.6) reported persistent symptoms lasting more than three months after acute COVID-19, with similar prevalence among women (49.3%) and men (43.7%). Formal long COVID diagnosis was reported by 3.9% (95% CI 2.3–6.4), while 6.6% (95% CI 4.5–9.6) reported suspected long COVID without a confirmed diagnosis. Persistent symptoms were reported by 49.3% of women and 43.7% of men; diagnosed long COVID was reported by 3.8% of women and 1.4% of men. Diagnosis prevalence increased with age and was higher among nurse assistants and support staff. Conclusions Among surveyed HCWs with previous COVID-19, persistent symptoms like fatigue were common, but formal long COVID diagnosis was uncommon, suggesting substantial under-recognition. These findings support strengthening identification and follow-up pathways for post-COVID conditions, with potential implications for primary care and occupational health coordination.