In a study from Cedars-Sinai, scientists found the majority of people who were likely infected with the omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, didn’t know they had the virus.
They found more than one in every two people who were infected with omicron didn’t know they had it.
Prior studies have found that at least 25% and possibly as many as 80% of people infected with SARS-CoV-2 may not experience symptoms.
Compared to other SARS-CoV-2 variants, the omicron variant is associated with generally less severe symptoms that may include fatigue, cough, headache, sore throat or a runny nose.
In the study, the team collected blood samples from healthcare workers for more than two years.
They identified 2,479 people who had contributed blood samples just prior to or after the start of the omicron surge.
They also found 210 people who likely were infected with the omicron variant based on newly positive levels of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in their blood.
Next, the team invited study participants to provide health status updates through surveys and interviews. Only 44% of study participants with newly positive SARS-CoV-2 antibodies had awareness of being infected with the virus.
The majority (56%) were unaware of any recent COVID-19 infection.
Of the study participants who were unaware, only 10% reported having any recent symptoms that they attributed to a common cold or other types of infection.
The team says more studies involving larger numbers of people from diverse ethnicities and communities are needed to learn what specific factors are linked to a lack of infection.
The researchers are also studying patterns and predictors of reinfections and their potential to offer long-lasting immunity to SARS-CoV-2. In addition to raising awareness, this information could help people manage their individual risks.
If you care about Covid, please read studies about why some people have lower COVID-19 infection from omicron, and this antibody treatment could lower death risk in severe COVID-19.
For more information about Covid, please see recent studies about new antiviral drug combo that could treat COVID-19, and results showing high blood pressure may double your risk of severe COVID.
The study was conducted by Susan Cheng et al and published in JAMA Network Open.
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