Clinical manifestations of COVID‐19 differ by age and obesity status

• DOI: 10.1111/irv.12918
• Publication Date: 2021-10-21T11:41:30Z
• Authors: Wesley A. Cheng; Lauren Turner; Carolyn J. Marent...; Melissa L. Tanaka; Zion Congrave‐Wilson; Yesun Lee; Jaycee Jumarang; Stephanie Perez; Ariana Peralta; Pia S. Pannaraj
• Keywords: Adult; 2. Zero hunger; Adolescent; SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19; Original Articles; Viral Load; 3. Good health; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Humans; Serologic Tests; Obesity; Child

Abstract Background Age and obesity status are associated with severe outcomes among hospitalized individuals COVID‐19. It remains unclear whether age risk factors for milder COVID‐19 illness. Methods We prospectively enrolled SARS‐CoV‐2‐exposed individuals. Participants recorded symptoms 28 days were tested SARS‐CoV‐2 by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) serology. Type, number, duration of laboratory parameters compared status. Results Of 552 from June 2020 to January 2021, 470 (85.1%) positive including 261 (55.5%) adults ≥18 years, 61 (13.0%) adolescents 12–17 148 (31.5%) children <12 years. Children had fewer (median 2 vs. 3, p < 0.001) lasting 5 7, adolescents/adults. Body mass index 300 (63.8%) classified overweight or (OWOB). Individuals OWOB suffered more without 3 2, = 0.037), cough shortness breath ( 0.023 0.026, respectively). Adolescents likely be symptomatic (66.7% 34.2%, 0.008) have longer respiratory 7 4 days, 0.049) OWOB. Lower RT‐PCR Ct values found in adolescent asymptomatic individuals, respectively 0.001 0.022). Conclusions experience despite similar viral loads. These findings underscore the importance vaccinating