Abstract
The common cold, the flu, and the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have many symptoms in common. As such, without testing for severe-acute-respiratory-syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), it is difficult to conclude whether or not one is infected with SARS-CoV-2. The aim of the current study was to compare the presence and severity of COVID-19-related symptoms among those who tested positive or negative for the beta variant of SARS-CoV-2 (B.1.351) and identify the clinical presentation with the greatest likelihood of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2. n = 925 individuals that were tested for SARS-CoV-2 at Dutch mass testing sites (i.e., test streets) were invited to complete a short online survey. The presence and severity of 17 COVID-19-related symptoms were assessed. In addition, mood, health correlates, and quality of life were assessed for the week before the test. Of the sample, n = 88 tested positive and n = 837 tested negative for SARS-CoV-2. Individuals who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 reported experiencing a significantly greater number, as well as greater overall symptom severity, compared to individuals who tested negative for SARS-CoV-2. A binary logistic regression analysis revealed that increased severity levels of congestion, coughing, shivering, or loss of smell were associated with an increase in the odds of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2, whereas an increase in the severity levels of runny nose, sore throat, or fatigue were associated with an increase in the odds of testing negative for SARS-CoV-2. No significant differences in mood or health correlates were found between those who tested positive or negative for SARS-CoV-2, except for a significantly higher stress score among those who tested negative for SARS-CoV-2. In conclusion, individuals that tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 experienced a significantly greater number and more severe COVID-19-related symptoms compared to those who tested negative for SARS-CoV-2. Experiencing shivering and loss of smell may be the best indicators for increased likelihood of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 1031 |
Pages (from-to) | 1-11 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Viruses |
Volume | 16 |
Issue number | 7 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jul 2024 |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2024 by the authors.
Funding
Over the past 3 years, J.V. has acted as a consultant/advisor for Eisai, KNMP, Med Solutions, Red Bull, Sen-Jam Pharmaceutical, and Toast! J.G. is part-time employee of Danone and received research grants from Nutricia research foundation, Top Institute Pharma, Top Institute Food and Nutrition, GSK, STW, NWO, Friesland Campina, CCC, Raak-Pro, and EU. P.K. is CEO of PanGenix. The other authors have no potential conflicts of interest to disclose.
Funders | Funder number |
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Top Institute Pharma | |
Nutricia Research Foundation | |
EU | |
Top Institute Food and Nutrition | |
STW | |
NWO | |
Friesland Campina | |
CCC | |
GSK |
Keywords
- Covid-19
- Loss of smell
- Mood
- Predictors
- Quality of life
- SARS-CoV-2
- Sleep quality
- Symptoms