Natural history of SARS-CoV-2 infection in healthcare workers in Northern Italy. Issue 4 (December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bongiovanni, M.; Marra, A.M.; De Lauretis, A.; Bini, F.; Di Carlo, D.; Manes, G.; Bodini, B.D.; Pellegrini, L.; Schettino, M.; Picascia, D.; Bellini, A.
• Is Part Of: Journal of hospital infection. Volume 106:Issue 4(2020)
• Page Start: 709
• Page End: 712
• Publication Date: 2020-12
• Subjects: Cross infection -- Periodicals; Cross infection -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Nosocomial infections -- Periodicals; Nosocomial infections -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Cross Infection -- Periodicals; Cross Infection -- prevention & control -- Periodicals; Infection Control -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 614.44
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2020.08.027
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0195-6701

Abstract

Summary: At present, the time-frame used for the quarantine of individuals with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the entire duration of symptoms plus 14 days after symptom recovery; however, no data have been reported specifically for healthcare workers (HCWs). In the study population of 142 HCWs with COVID-19, the mean time for viral clearance was 31.8 days. Asymptomatic subjects cleared the virus more quickly than symptomatic subjects (22 vs 34.2 days; P <0.0001). The presence of fever at the time of diagnosis was associated with a longer time to viral clearance (relative risk 11.45, 95% confidence interval 8.66–14.25; P <0.0001). These findings may have a significant impact on healthcare strategies for the future management of the COVID-19 pandemic.