Publication:

Prevalence of COVID symptoms, their severity and duration: a gender based analysis

Background COVID -19 is the most important public health problem of recent time. Approximately (60%) of those infected develop symptoms. Study is needed to assess the prevalence of COVID-19 symptoms, their severity and duration, secondary attack rate and COVID-19 appropriate behaviour for prevention and control of infection. The aim was to assess the prevalence of COVID-19 symptoms, secondary attack rate and COVID-19 appropriate behaviour of infected person.

Methods Present cross sectional study was done among patients who recovered from COVID-19 in Meerut district. After obtaining mobile numbers of patients, they were asked about their experience about pre-COVID, COVID and post-COVID period. Total 100 patients were contacted using simple random sampling and information was collected on predesigned Google form.

Results Out of total respondents 98% developed one or more symptoms. Fever was reported to be most common problem (72%) followed by body ache (62%). Most classified their symptoms as mild and moderate (36% and 43% respectively). There was no statistically significant difference for duration and severity of illness based on gender. While 21% categorized their symptoms as severe and very severe. All 100% patients followed COVID-19 appropriate behaviour post infection frequent hand washing and use of sanitizer being the most common behaviour (79%). Other commonly followed COVID-19 appropriate behaviours were use of face mask (68%), maintaining distance of more than 6 feet (65%).

Conclusions COVID-19 symptoms are common among patients but are usually less severe. Most of the patients are following COVID-19 appropriate behaviour to lessen burden of infection to others. Results also highlight the need of early testing to reduce infection in family members.