Recurrence or Relapse ofCOVID-19 in Older Patients: A Description of Three Cases

Abstract

BACKGROUND COVID-19 has infected millions of people worldwide, particularly in older adults. The first cases of possible reinfection by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) were reported in April 2020 among older adults. DESIGN/SETTING In this brief report, we present three geriatric cases with two episodes of SARS-CoV-2 infection separated by a symptom-free interval. PARTICIPANTS The participants of this brief report are three cases of hospitalized geriatric women. MEASUREMENTS/RESULTS We note clinical and biological worsening during the second episode of COVID-19 for all three patients. Also, there is a radiological aggravation. The second episode of COVID-19 was fatal in all three cases. CONCLUSION This series of three geriatric cases with COVID-19 diagnosed two times apart for several weeks questions the possibility of reinfection with SARS-CoV-2. It raises questions in clinical practice about the value of testing for SARS-CoV-2 infection again in the event of symptomatic reoccurrence.