General and orofacial symptoms associated with acute and long COVID in 80- and 90-year-old Swedish COVID-19 survivors

Abstract

ObjectivesTo describe acute and long COVID-19 symptoms among older elderly Swedes and to find predictive factors for the development symptoms associated with acute and long COVID. Material and methodsA questionnaire about general and oral health was mailed to all 80-year-olds (born 1942, n = 6299) and 90-year-olds (born 1932, n = 1904) in two Swedish counties. Participants reporting COVID-19 were asked to complete an additional questionnaire. ResultsOverall response rate was 66 % (n = 5375). Affirmative responses to having been sick/tested positive for COVID-19 were reported by 577 persons. Response rate to the COVID-19 questionnaire was 49 %. The majority (88 %) reported some general symptoms during the acute stage while 44 % reported orofacial symptom/s. Reporting of any form of long-COVID general symptoms was 37 and 35 % for orofacial symptoms. Predictive factors for contracting COVID-19 (based on self-report from 2017) were living in elderly housing/senior care facility (OR 1.6, CI 1.0–2.3), large number (>10) of weekly social contacts (OR 1.5, CI 1.3–1.9), being married (OR 1.4, CI 1.1–1.7) and high school/university education (OR 1.3 CI 1.1–1–6). The highest odds ratio for general symptoms of long-COVID were a single complete denture (OR 5.0, CI 2.0–12.3), reporting bad breath (OR 3.7, CI 1.9–7.2) and daytime dry mouth (OR 2.2, CI 1.1–4.2). Regarding long-COVID orofacial symptoms, the highest risk factors were bad breath (OR 3.8, CI 1.9–7.5) and a single complete denture in one jaw (OR 3.4, CI 1.2–9.8). ConclusionLong-COVID general and orofacial symptoms are common among older elderly COVID-19 survivors Clinical significanceOral microorganisms may be responsible for development of long-COVID symptoms. Health personnel managing COVID-19 patients should carefully examine dental status, especially in those having acrylic-based removable dentures, for oral signs and symptoms. If found, rigorous oral hygiene procedures should be carried out including cleaning/disinfection of the denture.