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

Carvalho, Herica Emilia Félix de; Schneider, Guilherme; Sousa, Anderson Reis de; Camargo, Emerson Lucas Silva; Nunes, Rômulo Veloso; Possani, Matheus Arantes; Barbosa, Dulce Aparecida; Mendes, Isabel Amélia Costa; Sousa, Álvaro Francisco Lopes de

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.