Document Type : Original article
Author
Pediatrician-sub specialist of pediatric infectious diseases-MPH-Medical assistant professor-Iran Ministry of health and medical education-Mashhad medical university, Mashhad, Iran
Abstract
Introduction:
The COVID-19 disease, caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, emerged in Wuhan, China, in late December 2019. It rapidly spread worldwide and was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) shortly thereafter. The clinical spectrum of COVID-19 ranges from mild respiratory symptoms to severe cases leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
Materials and methods:
This descriptive-analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted over one year, from May 2019 to June 2021, during the initial phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study included all patients presenting with suspected COVID-19 infection who were referred to infectious disease clinics in hospitals across the country. Patients were evaluated for respiratory symptoms (e.g., fever, runny nose, sore throat, dry cough), gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea), and general symptoms (e.g., muscle pain, weakness, headache, confusion, groaning). Those requiring hospitalization were included in the study. Patient selection was performed continuously.
Results:
A total of 19,438 patients meeting the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study. The inclusion criteria for COVID-19 cases were based on clinical findings. Demographic data, clinical symptoms, and disease risk factors were collected using an information system and analyzed statistically. The study adhered to principles of confidentiality and scientific integrity. Data from completed questionnaires were recorded, organized into data tables, and subjected to detailed analysis.
Keywords
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