ISSN: 2639-2038
Authors: Turabian JL*
Objective: Describe clinical-epidemiological characteristics that can help the general practitioner to consider the diagnosis of COVID-19 Methodology: A retrospective and descriptive study was carried out on clinical and epidemiological variables in patients diagnosed with COVID-19 who consulted in general medicine office at a health center in Toledo, Spain, from March 1 to May 31, 2020. Results: 17 patients were included, with a mean age of 48 years, 7 men and 10 women, 2 were asymptomatic throughout the period and their diagnosis was made after a contact. The most frequent symptoms were: fever 67%, cough 67%, dyspnea 45%, myalgia 40%, and headache 40%. 18% presented pneumonia. The mean duration of symptoms was 25 days. The severity was 76% mild, and 12% critical. There were 2 deaths. 82% reported prior known contact. The secondary attack rate was 12%. The number of chronic diseases was 25 in the 17 patients, being the most frequent groups, endocrine with 52%, and circulatory system with 16%. 47% were workers in socio-health centers. Conclusion: In the context of general medicine in Toledo (Spain), during the exponential growth phase and subsequent decrease in cases, of the COVID-19 outbreak (March-May 2020), the symptoms previously described as common were the most frequent (fever, cough, and dyspnea) and the obvious epidemiological risk factors (such as being a social or health worker and having been in contact with a case) were frequent. The first thing that should be taken into account, which seems obvious, in general medicine and epidemiology, also for COVID-19, is that the most frequent symptoms and risk factors must be considered first.
Keywords: Coronavirus; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; General Practice; Epidemiology; Disease & Medicine; Symptoms; Severity
