ISSN: 2639-2038
Authors: Turabian JL*
Background: Although many of COVID-19 patients recover without complications, some have a prolonged illness, but the evidence for their characteristics is limited. Objective: To compare the clinical-epidemiological characteristics of patients with COVID-19 who develop Ongoing Symptomatic COVID-19 (persistent symptoms and/or delayed or long-term complications beyond 4 weeks from the onset of symptoms) vs. not developing it, in medicine general. Methodology: An observational, longitudinal and prospective study of COVID-19 patients in a family medicine office in Toledo (Spain) was carried out from March 15, 2020 to March 31, 2021. Results: During the study period, 192 patients were included, 33 with Ongoing Symptomatic COVID-19, which represents an incidence of 17%. 58% were women vs. 52% in COVID-19 cured before 4 weeks. The age was 54 vs. 39 years in the COVID group cured before 4 weeks (p <.00001). The variables that showed a statistically significant relative risk were: some type of labor specialization, moderate-severe severity, hospitalization in the acute phase, readmission after discharge (all with high risk), chronic diseases presence with moderate risk, and presence of respiratory symptoms in the acute phase with low risk. The following variables were statistically significant, as a protective factor: age=<45 years, being asymptomatic in the acute phase, and presenting ENT symptoms in the acute phase. Conclusion: In the context of general medicine in Toledo (Spain), the incidence during one year of Ongoing Symptomatic COVID-19 was moderate, affecting older adult patients with severe respiratory symptoms during the acute phase. The management of these patients may require integrated approaches rather than specific organs or diseases, and that is the place of the General Practitioner in healthcare services.
Keywords: COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; Post-COVID-19 Condition; General Practice; Epidemiology; Symptoms; Cohort Studies; Risk Factors
