The association between smoking and recurrent SARS-CoV-2 PCR positivity in healthcare workers: preliminary results

Smoking increases COVID-19 risk, but its role in recurrent SARS-CoV-2 PCR positivity is poorly understood. Our retrospective cohort study examines this association. From March 2020 to December 2022, we studied adult healthcare workers attending the Work and Occupational Diseases Outpatient Clinic with at least one positive PCR test. Data on sociodemographic, clinical history, and PCR results were collected. Exclusions included unknown smoking history, other tobacco use, and immunodeficiency diseases. Subjects were categorized as smokers or never smokers and followed up. The study population consisted of those retested 90 days post-initial positive PCR. Cox proportional regression was used for analyses. Of 1174 patients screened, 708 were included. Median age was higher in smokers (Table 1). Females were more common in never smokers and in general. No association between smoking and recurrent PCR positivity was found (Table 2). Factors significantly associated with recurrence were major depression, thyroid disease, history of cancer, and history of contact at first admission. Further prospective studies are needed. <fig><object-id>erj;64/suppl_68/PA1309/F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><graphic></graphic></fig> <fig><object-id>erj;64/suppl_68/PA1309/F2</object-id><object-id>F2</object-id><object-id>F2</object-id><graphic></graphic></fig>