COVID-19 diagnosis and SARS-CoV-2 viral load in hospitalized patients versus people with Flu-Like Syndrome

At the beginning of pandemic, Brazilian Public Health System (SUS) did not to test all suspects cases COVID-19, thus, hospitalized individuals, health professionals, and symptomatic contacts were prioritized. Contrary criteria adopted by government, municipality Botucatu chose people who manifested flu-like syndrome. We aimed investigate whether positive for COVID-19 more frequent in patients seeking diagnosis via SUS or group Municipal Center viral load was expressed differently (HP) compared mild symptoms (MHC). Results showed that there no differences percentage between groups. Regarding load, significant found samples from HP MHC (3-10 days symptoms), with presenting a lower load. The results provide information about at different time-lapses.