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

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.

摘要
目的：评估在社交隔离期间发生临时性性行为的男男性行为者（men who have sex with men, MSM）中，疑似COVID-19的流感样综合征的发生情况。
方法：本研究为全国性流行病学调查，于2020年4月至5月开展，采用适配调整后的受访者驱动抽样法（Respondent Drive Sampling）。
结果：共计1337名男男性行为者参与本次调查，其中514人（占比38.4%）出现发热合并流感样综合征其他体征或症状。社交、人口统计学特征、性行为方式及社交隔离期间的活动情况与流感样综合征的发生存在统计学关联。出现流感样综合征体征与症状者的平均性伴数（3.5）与未出现者（1.7）相比，差异具有统计学意义（p < 0.001）。
结论：本研究证实，在社交隔离期间发生临时性性行为的巴西男男性行为者中，存在疑似COVID-19的流感样综合征相关体征与症状。