Asymptomatic infection and disappearance of clinical symptoms of COVID-19 infectors in China 2022–2023: a cross-sectional study

Kaige Zhang,Xiaoying Zhong,Xiaodan Fan,Dongdong Yu,Zhuo Chen,Chen Zhao,Xiaoyu Zhang,Zhiyue Guan,Xuxu Wei,Siqi Wan,Xuecheng Zhang,Mengzhu Zhao,Qianqian Dai,Wenjing Liu,Qianqian Xu,Yifan Kong,Songjie Han,Hongyuan Lin,Wenhui Wang,Huiru Jiang,Chunling Gu,Xiaowei Zhang,Tong Jiang,Shuling Liu,Herong Cui,Xinyu Yang,Yin Jiang,Zhao Chen,Yang Sun,Liyuan Tao,Rui Zheng,Ruijin Qiu,Liangzhen You,Hongcai Shang

doi:10.1038/s41598-024-68162-8

Abstract

To explore the clinical characteristics of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 nationwide, especially the effect factors of asymptomatic infection and disappearance of clinical symptoms. A total of 66,448 COVID-19 patients in China who have been diagnosed by nucleic acid test or rapid antigen test were surveyed online (December 24, 2022 to January 16, 2023). Our cross-sectional study used descriptive analyses and binary Logistics regression model to assess the correlation between the clinical characteristics and relative factors, including age, gender, pre-existing conditions, reinfection, vaccination and treatment. A total of 64,515 valid questionnaires were collected. Among included participants, 5969 of which were asymptomatic. The symptoms were mainly upper respiratory symptoms, including dry and itchy throat (64.16%), sore throat (59.95%), hoarseness (57.90%), nasal congestion (53.39%). In binary Logistics regression model, we found that male, no pre-existing conditions, reinfection and vaccination have positive correlations with the appearance of asymptomatic COVID-19 patients. In Cox proportional-hazards regression model, considering all clinical symptoms disappeared in 14 days as outcome, we found that ≤ 60 years old, male, no pre-existing conditions, vaccination and adopted treatment have positive correlations with rapid amelioration of clinical symptoms in COVID-19 patients. The clinical symptoms of the participants were mainly upper respiratory symptoms which were according with the infection of Omicron variant. Factors including age, gender, pre-existing conditions and reinfection could influence the clinical characteristics and prognosis of COVID-19 patients. Importantly, vaccination has positive significance for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. Lastly, the use of Chinese medicine maybe beneficial to COVID-19 patients, however, reasonable guidance is necessary.

Full Text