CLINICAL SYMPTOMS CHANGES IN POST-COVID-19 MILD AND MODERATE PATIENTS AT NATIONAL HOSPITAL FOR TROPICAL DISEASE

Abstract

Patients recovering from SARS-CoV-2 infection may still have persistent symptoms. There is a need for
studies on many different groups to have an overview of the clinical manifestations after recovery.
Objectives: Describe the clinical symptoms persist in patients and compare the difference in those symptoms
at 3 and 6 months after recovery in patients with mild and morderate COVID-19 infection at Department of
Internal Medicine, National Hospital for Tropical Diseases from October 2021 to October 2022.
Methods: Descriptive prospective study on 166 patients with SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR positive, with mild
and moderate severity, and met the criteria to be cured for discharge according to the Vietnam Ministry of
Health's COVID-19 Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines.
Results: Common clinical manifestations at 3 month post infection were: cough (50%), fatigue (31.9%),
sore throat (29.7%); 6 months post infection were: hair loss (9%), cough (6.6%), muscle and joint pain
(1.8%). The number and severity of clinical manifestations in the 6-month post-discharge period were
fewer and milder than in the 3-month post-discharge.
Conclusion: The number and severity of clinical manifestations increase in 3-month post-discharge but
significantly decrease in 6-month post-discharge.