Suspected COVID-19 flu-like syndrome in men who have sex with men and have been involved in casual sex

Rev Bras Enferm. 2020 Oct 26;73(suppl 2):e20200913. doi: 10.1590/0034-7167-2020-0913. eCollection 2020.
[Article in English, Portuguese]

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the presence of flu-like syndrome suggestive of COVID-19 in men who have sex with men (MSM) and engaged in casual sex during a period of social isolation.

Method: National epidemiological survey, applied in April and May 2020, by adaptation of Respondent Drive Sampling.

Results: 1,337 MSM participated in the survey, of which 514 (38.4%) had fever associated with another sign or symptom of flu-like syndrome. Social, demographic characteristics, sexual practices and activities during the period of social isolation were statistically associated with the presence of flu-like syndrome. There was a statistical difference (p < 0.001) in the average of partners between those who had signs and symptoms of flu-like syndrome (3.5) and those who did not (1.7).

Conclusion: Evidence of signs and symptoms indicative of flu-like syndrome suggestive of COVID 19 in Brazilian MSM who were involved in casual sex during the period of social isolation.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Betacoronavirus*
  • Brazil
  • COVID-19
  • COVID-19 Testing
  • Clinical Laboratory Techniques*
  • Coronavirus Infections / diagnosis*
  • Health Surveys
  • Homosexuality, Male* / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Influenza, Human / diagnosis
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Online Social Networking
  • Pandemics
  • Pneumonia, Viral / diagnosis*
  • Quarantine
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Sexual and Gender Minorities* / statistics & numerical data
  • Symptom Assessment*
  • Young Adult