Self-reported symptoms as predictors of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the general population living in the Amsterdam region, the Netherlands

Abstract

Introduction Most COVID-19 symptoms are non-specific and also common in other respiratory infections. We aimed to assess which symptoms are most predictive of a positive test for SARS-CoV-2 in symptomatic people of the general population who were tested. Methods We used anonymised data of all SARS-CoV-2 test results from the Public Health Service of Amsterdam from June 1,2020 through August 31, 2021. Symptoms were self-reported at time of requesting a test. Multivariable logistic regression models with generalized estimating equations were used to identify predictors of a positive test. Included symptoms were: cough, fever, loss of smell or taste, muscle ache, runny nose, shortness of breath, and throat ache; adjustments were made for age and gender, and stratification by month. Results Overall, 12.0% of 773,680 tests in 432,213 unique individuals were positive. All symptoms were significantly associated with a positive test result, the strongest positive associations were: cough (aOR = 1.78, 95%CI = 1.75–1.80), fever (aOR = 2.11, 95%CI = 2.07–2.14), loss of smell or taste (aOR = 2.55, 95%CI = 2.50–2.61), and muscle ache (aOR = 2.38, 95%CI = 2.34–2.43). The adjusted odds ratios for loss of smell or taste slightly declined over time, while that for cough increased. Conclusion Cough, fever, loss of smell or taste, and muscle ache appear to be most strongly associated with a positive SARS-CoV-2 test in symptomatic people of the general population who were tested.

The Detection of Influenza Virus Before and During the COVID‐19 Pandemic in Cameroon

“…For SARS-CoV-2, we identified only sore throat as a positive predictor of infection. Contrary to our findings, other studies found more symptoms associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, including fever, cough, headache, loss of smell or taste and myalgia [24,25]. The small number of SARS-CoV-2 cases detected in our study may have contributed to the poor association of cases with clinical manifestations.…”

Experiences and perceptions of COVID-19 infection and vaccination among Palestinian refugees in Jerash camp and Jordanian citizens: a comparative cross-sectional study by face-to-face interviews

“…Furthermore, the most frequently reported symptoms were general fatigue, headache, fever, anosmia and/or ageusia, and cough, respectively, with no significant differences between refugees and citizens. These symptoms were also reported in many previous studies from different regions [ 35 – 37 ].…”

“…Furthermore, the most frequently reported symptoms were general fatigue, headache, fever, anosmia and/or ageusia, and cough, respectively, with no significant differences between refugees and citizens. These symptoms were also reported in many previous studies from different regions [35][36][37]. Interestingly, the results obtained in this study demonstrated that the perceptions and experiences of COVID-19 vaccination were different between refugees and citizens.…”