Common Symptoms in COVID-19 Confirmed Cases Followed-Up at Home by Primary Healthcare Services

Abstract

Aim: This study aims to determine common symptoms in COVID-19 confirmed patients who were followed up at home by primary health care services. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted in Kırklareli, Turkey between July 2020 and December 2020. The study was conducted with 315 patients aged 18 years and over who were confirmed positive by the Polymerase Chain Reaction test and followed up at home by a Family Health Center. Results: The mean age of the participants was 43.13±16.33 years. 53.7% were male, 87% lived in rural areas, 98.1% had health insurance and 54.9% were employed. Of the adults, 5.1% had the adult vaccine and 25.4% had a chronic disease. While at least one symptom was observed in 84.8% of the patients, 15.2% had no symptoms. The symptoms detected among the participants were cough (26.3%), headache (26.3%), and high fever (24.1%). The frequency of symptoms was higher in women than in men, and myalgia, arthralgia, nausea, and vomiting were also more frequent. The symptom of chills was more common in adults at 40 years and over compared to those under 40. Conclusion: In case of cough, headache, or high fever among adults, a healthcare provider should be consulted and screening for other symptoms. In terms of follow-up, symptom management, and treatment of the disease, women, and individuals 40 years and over should be prioritized, carefully followed up, and provided with the necessary isolation. There are also asymptomatic cases of COVID-19 disease. Isolation of asymptomatic patients is also important because of the high contagiousness of the disease. Keywords: COVID-19, symptoms, primary care, home care