Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound global impact, including numerous indirect consequences on healthcare systems. Acute orofacial infections are prevalent across all age groups. While most of these infections are mild and can be managed without hospitalization, they carry the potential to become life-threatening. Infections in the head and neck regions can spread deeper into the orofacial and neck areas, potentially compromising the airways. This study aimed to assess the impact of pandemic control measures on orofacial and respiratory infections in oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) and ear, nose, and throat (ENT) emergency units. Methods: Records of patients with orofacial or respiratory infections based on patient ICD-10 codes diagnosed at the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) or ENT Emergency Departments of Helsinki University Hospital (HUS), Helsinki, Finland, from March 1st to October 30th, 2020, were reviewed. Data was compared to corresponding periods in 2018 and 2019. Results: The study included 7,900 patients. There was a significant mean reduction of 37% in infection cases in 2020 compared to previous years (1,894 vs. 2,929 and 3,077, respectively, p<.001). ENT patients were 51% less likely to be admitted to the ward in 2020 compared to previous years (p=.013), and patients from rural areas were less likely to visit OMFS or ENT emergency departments during the 2020 study period compared to 2019 and 2018 (26.8% vs. 29.0% and 30.3%, p=.031). Conclusion: There was a notable decline in emergency department visits for orofacial and respiratory infections during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. These findings provide valuable insight for decision-making during future health crises.
Haapanen et al. (Sun,) studied this question.