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. 2020 Dec;106(4):709-712.
doi: 10.1016/j.jhin.2020.08.027. Epub 2020 Sep 24.

Natural history of SARS-CoV-2 infection in healthcare workers in Northern Italy

M Bongiovanni  1 , A M Marra  2 , A De Lauretis  3 , F Bini  3 , D Di Carlo  4 , G Manes  5 , B D Bodini  3 , L Pellegrini  5 , M Schettino  5 , D Picascia  5 , A Bellini  6
Affiliations

Natural history of SARS-CoV-2 infection in healthcare workers in Northern Italy

M Bongiovanni et al. J Hosp Infect. 2020 Dec.

Abstract

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.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Percentage of patients clearing the virus by time. Dark grey bars, asymptomatic cases (N=28); light grey bars, symptomatic cases (N=114).
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