Evaluation of health care workers with COVID-19

Abstract

Objective: In this study, we aimed to determine the contact risk levels of infected health care workers for patients with COVID-19 and to evaluate their disease status. Methods: Health care workers with COVID-19 were analyzed, retrospectively. Close contact with patients was classified as high, medium, low-risk or risk-free contact according to the use of personal protective equipment, and transmission levels were evaluated. Symptoms and disease severity after infection were determined. Results: A total of 82 health care workers were infected during the study period, and only 2% had high-risk contact status. There was risk-free contact in 71% of the patients. Community/family-borne contaminations were detected as the main source of transmission. 82% of the infected health care workers have developed at least one symptom. Fever (65%) and dry cough (54%) were more common symptoms. According to their clinical severity, 66% of them had mild illness. Only one had severe illness. All the health care workers with COVID-19 recovered and were discharged. Conclusions: Health care workers are at increased risk of COVID-19 transmission. In addition to the use of appropriate personal protective equipment, masks and social distance rules should be followed in social settings. Klimik Dergisi 2020; 33(3): 230-4.