Abstract
Background
Omicron BA.2.2 is the dominant variant in Hong Kong outbreak since December-31 2021. There is no study reporting the weekly symptom profile after infection.
Methods
In this retrospective study, participants who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 after December-31 2021 and registered in the telemedicine system between March 14-May 6 2022 were analysed.
Findings
Among registered 12950 self-quarantined COVID-19 positive patients, 11776 symptomatic patients were included for weekly symptom profile analysis. 4718 (40.1%) patients reported symptoms in the first week after positive test, 2501 (21.2%) in the second week, 1498 (12.7%) in the third week, 1048 (8.9%) in the fourth week, and 2011 (17.1%) in over four weeks. Cough was the most common symptom in all participants. Patients in the first week had higher odds of reporting fever (0.206, 95% CI 0.161-0.263, p<0.001) and sore throat (0.228, 95% CI 0.208-0.252, p<0.001). Patients in over 4 weeks had a higher odds of reporting fatigue (1.263, 95% CI 1.139-1.402, p<0.001). Further, having at least two vaccine doses linked to lower odds of having fever (0.675, 95% CI 0.562-0.811, p<0.001), but not associated with the presence of cough and fatigue. Diabetic patients had higher odds of reporting diarrhea (1.637, 95% CI 1.351-1.982, p<0.001).
Conclusion
Symptoms from omicron infection may last for more than four weeks and symptom profiles vary from week to week. Vaccination and comorbidity affect the symptom profiles.
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