Impact of SARS-CoV2 infection on mortality and hospitalization in nursing home residents during the "Omicron era"

Abstract

Background: Widespread vaccination and emergence of less aggressive SARS-CoV2 variants may have blunted the unfavourable outcomes of COVID-19 in nursing home (NH) residents. We analysed the course of COVID-19 epidemic in NHs of Florence, Italy, during the "Omicron era" and investigated the independent effect of SARS-CoV2 infection on death and hospitalization risk.

Methods: Weekly SARS-CoV2 infection rates between November 2021 and March 2022 were calculated. Detailed clinical data were collected in a sample of NHs.

Results: Among 2044 residents, 667 SARS-CoV2 cases were confirmed. SARS-CoV2 incidence sharply increased during the Omicron era. Mortality rates did not differ between SARS-CoV2-positive (6.9%) and SARS-CoV2-negative residents (7.3%, p = 0.71). Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and poor functional status, but not SARS-CoV2 infection independently predicted death and hospitalization.

Conclusions: Despite that SARS-CoV2 incidence increased during the Omicron era, SARS-CoV2 infection was not a significant predictor of hospitalization and death in the NH setting.

Keywords: COVID-19; Functional status; Immunization; Older adults; Vaccination.