biostudies-literatureUnknown13Pink I<h4>Background</h4>Healthcare professionals (HCPs) faced unique exposure risks during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. This study investigated the prevalence and patterns of respiratory symptoms among HCPs, examining potential demographic, occupational, and vaccination-related risk factors during the early pandemic period.<h4>Methods</h4>In this prospective observational study, 1,300 HCPs at a German academic medical center completed surveys about respiratory symptoms between March 2020 and April 2024. Participants reported five specific respiratory symptoms (cough, fever, dyspnea, sore throat, and impairment of taste/smell) and rated their intensity. These symptoms were grouped into one variable <i>acute respiratory tract symptoms</i> (ARS). Demographic and occupational data were collected at basFrontiers in public health1717080https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12833979biostudies-literatureRespiratory symptom patterns in healthcare workers in Germany: a prospective study during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.PMC12833979Pink ISchroder DCossmann ACalderon Hampel NBehrens GMNDopfer-Jablonka AHapple CMuller FSteffens SMikuteit MManthey LStolting AfalseRespiratory symptom patterns in healthcare workers in Germany: a prospective study during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.<h4>Background</h4>Healthcare professionals (HCPs) faced unique exposure risks during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. This study investigated the prevalence and patterns of respiratory symptoms among HCPs, examining potential demographic, occupational, and vaccination-related risk factors during the early pandemic period.<h4>Methods</h4>In this prospective observational study, 1,300 HCPs at a German academic medical center completed surveys about respiratory symptoms between March 2020 and April 2024. Participants reported five specific respiratory symptoms (cough, fever, dyspnea, sore throat, and impairment of taste/smell) and rated their intensity. These symptoms were grouped into one variable <i>acute respiratory tract symptoms</i> (ARS). Demographic and occupational data were collected at bas2025-01-01T00:00:00Z20252026-06-09T03:14:38.312Z2026-06-09T03:11:27.162ZS-EPMC128339794160205510.3389/fpubh.2025.1717080