LAUSR

Characterizing COVID-19 reinfection is a difficult process, especially among healthcare workers due to their continuous occupational exposure. Thus, we aimed to study the prevalence and evolutionary aspects of COVID-19 reinfection among healthcare workers in the Monastir region. This is a retrospective cross-sectional study of healthcare workers in the Monastir region who contracted at least two episodes of COVID-19 infection during the period between March 2020 and June 2022. Data collection was carried out using a multidimensional information form. Among the 1646 healthcare worker who contracted covid, 56 had the infection twice, with a prevalence of 3.4%. The majority were paramedical staff (65.1%), 81.4% of whom worked in the COVID-19 departments. The median time between the two infectious episodes was 6 months, with extremes ranging from 2 to 15 months. During the second infectious episode, which lasted significantly less than 10 days (p<0.001), there was a significant reduction in the frequency of febrile states (p=0.002), respiratory signs (p<0.001) and ENT signs (p=0.006). A significantly lower frequency of antibiotic use (p=0.003) and oxygen therapy (p=0.031) was observed during the second infection episode. Reinfection was associated with more rapid but less severe infectiousness, likely due to the presence of immune memory. It depends on age, occupation, immune response, and immune status. However, the Omicron variant represented a risk factor for reinfection, given its aggressive and rapid spread, albeit with benign clinical forms. Understanding the factors associated with reinfection can help to reinforce preventive measures and guide work organization strategies.