Increased risk of respiratory viral infections in elite athletes: A controlled study

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250907
• Publication Date: 2021-05-04T19:27:34Z
• Authors: Maarit Valtonen; Wilma Grönroos; Raakel Luoto; Matti Waris; Matti Uhari; Olli J. Heinonen; Olli Ruuskanen
• Keywords: Etiology; Elite Athletes; Respiratory infection

Background Respiratory symptoms are commonly recognised in elite athletes. The occurrence, etiology and clinical presentation of the illnesses athletes is unclear. Methods We performed a prospective controlled study respiratory viral infections Team Finland during Nordic World Ski Championships 2019. There were 26 36 staff members. Nasal swabs taken at onset symptom on days 1, 7, 13 follow-up 14 days. viruses searched for by 3 different molecular multiplex tests. Fifty-two matched control subjects studied same period. Results Ten out (38%) athletes, 6 (17%) staff, 52 (6%) experienced infection (p = 0.0013). relative risks acquiring symptomatic 6.7 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.1–21.0) 2.9 CI, 0.84–10.0) as compared to controls. Asymptomatic identified 8%, 22%, 19%, respectively 0.30). was detected 84% cases. Conclusion had 7-fold increase risk illness normally exercising subjects.