Clinical Characteristics and Prognosis in Allergic Health Workers Patients with COVID-19 Infection

Background: After a case of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was reported in Wuhan, China, at the end of 2019, the cause of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was soon recognized as a global public health emergency. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of allergic healthcare workers (HCWs) confirmed to have COVID-19. Methods: This study included 30 HCWs with confirmed COVID-19 at Kosar Hospital in Semnan, Iran, from February to June 2020 (15 allergic and 15 non-allergic individuals). Demographic data, clinical manifestations, and laboratory findings of the subjects were recorded. Results: Total IgE, allergen-specific IgE, and anti-SARS-CoV IgG were measured in the patients' serum. The average age of the allergic and non-allergic HCWs with COVID-19 was 33 years, and 80% were female. Malaise (76.6%), fever (60%), weakness (60%), and dry cough (56.7%) were the most common symptoms. The clinical findings showed a significantly lower percentage (33.3%) of dry cough in subjects with allergic diseases. Apart from the observed difference in the mean value of total IgE between the two groups, no significant differences were found with respect to age, duration of disease, O2 saturation, and anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG. Conclusions: Coronavirus disease 2019 symptoms did not become severe in patients with atopic diseases. Moreover, dry cough and weakness were reported by a lower percentage of allergic HCWs.