COVID-19 infection rate among tertiary referral center otorhinolaryngology healthcare workers
Research output: Contribution to journal › Journal article › Research › peer-review
Importance: Otorhinolaryngology is considered one of the medical specialties with a high risk for exposure to corona disease 2019 (COVID-19). Uncontrolled transmission in a hospital department poses a risk to both healthcare workers (HCWs) and patients. Objective: To monitor SARS-CoV-2 incidence, transmission, and antibody development among HCWs to identify high risk procedures, pathways, and work areas within the department. Methods: Prospective cohort study of HCWs using repetitive oro- and nasopharygeal swab samples, antibody tests, and self-reported symptoms questionnaires at a tertiary referral center in Copenhagen, Denmark. Results: 347/361 (96%) HCWs participated. Seven (1.9%) were positive on swab tests and none had symptoms. Fifteen (4.2%) developed antibodies. Only one case of potential transmission between HCWs was identified. Infection rates were low and no procedures or areas within the department were identified as exposing HCWs to a higher risk. Conclusions and relevance: Adherence to the surveillance program was high. The low incidence among HCW during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic may reflect local transmission and infection control precautions, as well as a low infectious burden in the Danish society.
Original language | English |
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Journal | European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology |
Volume | 278 |
Issue number | 8 |
Pages (from-to) | 3091-3098 |
Number of pages | 8 |
ISSN | 0937-4477 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Aug 2021 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:
© 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH, DE part of Springer Nature.
- Coronavirus, COVID-19, Healthcare worker, Otorhinolaryngology, Protective measures, SARS-CoV-2
Research areas
Links
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7862982/pdf/405_2021_Article_6615.pdf
Final published version
ID: 284298530