AUTHOR=Liu Yixuan , Huang Xiaoling , Li Peifan , Wang Di , Yin Haoning , Wang Na , Luo Yan , Li Huawei , Sun Shan 

TITLE=Clinical Profile and Outcome Analysis of Ear-Nose-Throat Symptoms in SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Subvariant Infections

JOURNAL=International Journal of Public Health

VOLUME=68

YEAR=2023

URL=https://www.ssph-journal.org/journals/international-journal-of-public-health/articles/10.3389/ijph.2023.1606403

DOI=10.3389/ijph.2023.1606403

ISSN=1661-8564

ABSTRACT=<p><bold>Objective:</bold> This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and outcomes of ear-nose-throat (ENT) symptoms in SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infected patients resulting from local transmission.</p><p><bold>Methods:</bold> A convenience sampling network survey was conducted among individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 to examine the characteristics and progression of ENT symptoms associated with local transmission. The survey comprised 52 questions, and univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed to assess the rate, severity, and outcome of ENT symptoms across different genders and age groups.</p><p><bold>Results:</bold> Among the 1,366 individuals included in the investigation, a peak in new infections occurred on 20th December, and the majority (78.4%) were female. The most common symptoms reported were coughing (90.6%), nasal congestion (77.2%), and runny nose (74.3%). Otologic symptoms were predominantly represented by tinnitus (29.7%).</p><p><bold>Conclusion:</bold> The rate of specific symptoms showed a significant correlation with age and gender. It is crucial to provide timely medical intervention, especially for female patients. This study offers a comprehensive understanding of the symptom spectrum in individuals infected with the virus, providing valuable insights for the development of targeted symptom management strategies.</p>