Infekcinės ligos ISSN 1822-8771 | eISSN 2783-6665

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus contributed to a global health crisis. Pregnant women are considered a vulnerable population that can develop severe SARS-CoV-2 infections due to physiological changes during pregnancy that affect a wide range of functions, causing cardiovascular instability, bleeding disorders, respiratory and immune dysfunction. These factors may adversely affect the course of COVID-19. In addition to pregnancy, a pregnant woman may have additional risk factors, including diabetes, obesity, advanced age (pregnancy >35 years), or chronic cardiovascular or respiratory disease. Early studies indicate that COVID-19 increases the risk of serious illness and death in pregnant women. In addition, COVID-19 was associated with adverse fetal outcomes as preterm birth. The mechanisms underlying the increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with COVID-19 are not well-understood but may be related to the direct effects of SARS-CoV-2 on the placenta and the fetus, as well as the indirect effects of systemic inflammation and cytokine storm. During the pandemic, the SARS-CoV-2 delta variant in particular has been shown to be associated with severe disease. The new coronavirus variants pre-delta, as well as the omicron variant, seem to be generally associated with a milder course of disease.

The COVID-19 is one of the most important recent events in the world. Its long asymptomatic incubation period, efficient airborne transmission and high infectivity have contributed to its rapid global spread. The spectrum of symptoms, mortality and morbidity varies widely. Chronic diseases are an important risk factor for the development of severe and fatal forms of COVID-19. Many studies have confirmed that malignant hematological diseases have the worst morbidity and mortality outcomes. Currently, the most effective way to fight infection is through vaccination. This has been effective and has had a dramatic effect on reducing serious illness and mortality rates in the general population, but the benefits of the vaccine have not been successfully replicated in patients with hematological malignancies. The COVID-19 pandemic poses several medical challenges that encourage researchers and clinicians to provide the best possible care for patients with hematological malignancies during this difficult period.

Tyrimo tikslas. Įvertinti Lietuvos sveikatos mokslų universiteto Kauno ligoninės (LSMU KL) medicinos darbuotojų žinias ir požiūrį į skiepais kontroliuojamų infekcinių ligų – gripo ir COVID-19 – profilaktiką darbe.