Clinical spectrum, transmission dynamics, outcome and hydroxychloroquine prophylaxis in COVID-19 positive health care workers at a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Being at the forefront, health-care workers (HCWs) have been at an increased risk of developing COVID-19.Objectives: To understand the pattern of the clinical symptoms, transmission dynamics, intake of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) prophylaxis and outcome in COVID-19 positive HCWs.Methods: One hundred and fifty-one COVID-19 infected HCWs were telephonically followed up to study the exposure details, clinical presentation, comorbidities, HCQ prophylaxis, outcome and further transmission to their families.Results: The most commonly infected were doctors 60 (39.74%), followed by nursing staff (22.52%) and office staff (13.25%). Only 40 (26.49%) of infected staff was posted in COVID area. The most common source of exposure were patients (33.11%), followed by fellow staff members (28.48%) and 13 (8.61%) had contracted the disease from their family. Fever (74.17%) was the most common symptom followed by myalgia (43.71%), anosmia (37.75), sore throat (33.77%), ageusia (31.13%) and dry cough (28.48%). Three (1.99%) HCWs expired due to COVID-19 and 23 (16.31%) transmitted infection to their family members.Conclusions: This study concludes that HCWs are at greater risk of acquiring infection, particularly while working in non COVID areas, contracting the virus mainly from patients and co-workers. They are also a potential source of onward transmission to their colleagues and family.