Healthcare workers with COVID-19 infection: Experience from a designated COVID-19 clinic

ABSTRACT

Background: Healthcare workers (HCW) are at the frontline of the COVID- 19 pandemic, risking infection through hospital contacts. Data regarding predisposing factors in the healthcare field is limited. In this study, we characterized presenting symptoms, occupation and hospitalizations for HCW who tested COVID-19 positive. Methods: This is a retrospective study of HCW who presented for screening to a designated COVID-19 clinic at the largest hospital in Washington, DC between 3/13/20 - 5/28/20. Variables extracted included profession, exposure, presenting symptoms, past medical history and outcomes. Univariate analysis was performed using Fischer's exact tests, with significance defined as p < 0.05. IRB approval was obtained. Results: There were a total of 881 HCW who presented for COVID-19 testing 316 (35.8%) tested positive;216 (68.4%) were female, mean age was 39. Cough was the most common presenting symptom (92.7%), followed by subjective fever (63.3%), myalgia (57.9%), and chills (46.8%)(Fig 1). RNs [110 (34.8%)] and physicians [39 (12.3%)] accounted for nearly 50% of cases. Hospitalizations occurred in 22(6.9%);2(0.6%) died from COVID-19. See Fig 2 for symptoms associated with hospitalizations. African Americans (OR 4.52, CI95 1.54-12.50), and those with hypertension (3.14, 1.32-7.23) and obesity (2.98, 1.25-6.89) were more likely to be hospitalized. Conclusion: HCW remain at risk for COVID-19 infection with respiratory and constitutional symptoms as the most common presentation. RNs were among the most affected. This study supports other reports that African Americans and those with pre-existing comorbidities have greater morbidity with COVID-19 - we have documented that these inequities are also prevalent amongst HCW. This should be considered when testing for and implementing practices to avoid risk of COVID-19 among HCW. (Figure Presented).