A snapshot of Malta’s Covid-19 acute and post-acute symptoms

Abstract

BackgroundThe end of the year 2019 saw the emergence of a novel coronavirus (Covid-19) with patients presenting with severe pneumonia in China. Infected individuals with Covid-19 were noted to present with different symptoms, if at all. Some remained with symptoms even after testing negative for Covid-19. The aim was to explore for the most common acute and post-acute Covid-19 symptoms among adult residents in Malta.MethodsUsing Google forms, an anonymous survey was distributed on social media (1st to 26th February 2021) targeting the adult residents of Malta. The survey assessed for previous/current Covid-19 infection and for acute and post-acute (>4 weeks after negative test) symptoms. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed.ResultsOut of the 1,034 participants, 6.38% (CI95%: 5.04-8.95) reported to have been positive for Covid-19, with a female predominance (71.21% CI95%:59.30-80.79; p = <0.01). Various combination of symptoms was reported. However, asymptomatic (13.64% CI95%: 7.12-24.15) dominated followed by the combination of fever, cough, headaches, fatigue, loss of taste and smell, aches and pains, and diarrhoea (10.61% CI95%:4.94-17.60). Although the majority did not report post-acute symptoms, a proportion reported the continuation of aches and pains with fatigue or the loss of taste and smell (6.06% CI95%:1.94-14.01; respectively).ConclusionsAlthough small case numbers were evaluated in this study, it is clear that Covid-19 is affecting a proportion of the population. Asymptomatic Covid-19 is common, enforcing the fact that infectivity rate is higher than reported. However, multi symptomatic representation is also common, possibility requiring medical attention. Within this cohort, post-acute symptoms did not appear to be dominating. Health system resilience is essential to continue caring for both acute Covid-19 and other conditions including long Covid-19 patients.Key messages Covid-19 community spread is higher than reported due to a substantial proportion of asymptomatic individuals.Preventive mitigation measures should continue to be encouraged as well as strengthening health systems to care for acute and long Covid-19 along with other co-existing conditions.