COVID-19-Related Symptoms during the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron (B.1.1.529) Variant Surge in Japan

• DOI: 10.1620/tjem.2022.j067
• Publication Date: 2022-08-24T22:11:02Z
• Authors: Tetsuya Akaishi; Shigeki Kushimoto; Yukio Katori; Noriko Sugawara; Hiroshi Egusa; Kaoru Igarashi; Motoo Fujita; Shigeo Kure; Shin Takayama; Michiaki Abe; Akiko Kikuchi; Minoru Ohsawa; Kota Ishizawa; Yoshiko Abe; Hiroyuki Imai; Yohei Inaba; Yoko Iwamatsu-Kob...; Takashi Nishioka; Ko Onodera; Tadashi Ishii
• Keywords: Sore throat; Dysgeusia; Anosmia; Throat; Pcr test

The exact profiles of the clinical symptoms related to SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant (B.1.1.529) remain largely uncertain. Therefore, this study aimed clarify manifestations infection with variant. We enrolled individuals who were tested by quantitative nasopharyngeal swab reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test at a large screening center in city Japan during B.1.1.529 wave between January and May 2022, after contact COVID-19 patients. Swab tests planned be performed approximately 4-5 days contact. presence COVID-19-related was assessed site. Among 2,507 individuals, 943 (37.6%) RT-PCR test-positive 1,564 (62.4%) test-negative. PCR participants, prevalence as follows: 47.3% cough, 32.9% sore throat, 18.4% fatigability, 12.7% fever ≥ 37.5℃, 9.9% dyspnea, 2.1% dysosmia, 1.4% dysgeusia. fatigability higher among adults aged 18 years than children adolescents. dysosmia dysgeusia remarkably decreased (1-3%) compared pre-Omicron waves (15-25%). In summary, common included cough followed fever, dyspnea. most these non-adults. variants.