ObjectiveIn 2022, a new coronavirus variant (Omicron) infection epidemic broke out in Shanghai, China. However, it is unclear whether the duration of this omicron variant is different from that of the prototype strain.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 157 cases of Omicron variant infection in Taizhou Public Health Center from March 29, 2022, to April 18, 2022, and observed the dynamics of nucleic acid Ct values during the admission and discharge of patients. Clinical and laboratory indicators of these patients were also obtained.ResultsCompared to the prototype strain, the Omicron variant showed a broad population susceptibility in infected individuals (regardless of age and presence of underlying disease) and had slight damage to the immune system and renal function; the viral loads peaked was 2-3 days from disease onset; the median duration of omicron variant was 15-18 days; the nucleic acid Ct value of nasopharyngeal swabs of infected patients is lower than that of throat swabs, and the Ct value of oropharyngeal swabs is unstable during the recovery period.ConclusionTherefore, we found that the time to peak viral load of this Omicron variant was 2-3 days after the onset of the disease, and the duration was 15-18 days; symptomatic patients had higher viral load and longer hospitalization time. This finding will provide a basis for understanding omicron variants and formulating the national prevention and control strategy.

Purpose We evaluated the differences between patients with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant infections and Fever outpatients, so that prevention and control measures can be taken in time. Patients and Methods This study retrospectively analyzed 65 patients with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant. Sixty-nine age- and sex-matched Fever outpatients were enrolled during the same period of time. We also reanalyzed data from 81 SARS-CoV-2 Wild-Type-infected patients. We compared the clinical characteristics and initial indexes of routine tests among the 3 groups. Results A total of 93.8% of the patients with Omicron infections had clinical symptoms, and the major symptoms were cough, fever and pharyngalgia. Pharyngalgia was a specific manifestation in Omicron group compared to Wild-Type group. The white blood cell of the Omicron group was lower than that of the Fever group [5.0 (3.6–6.1) vs 10.1 (7.6–12.9) ×10 9 /L, P < 0.001]. The neutrophil count in Omicron group was lower than that in Fever and Wild-Type group [2.6 (1.8–3.9) vs 8.1 (5.9–10.9), P < 0.001; 2.6 (1.8–3.9) vs 3.4 (2.5–4.7) ×10 9 /L, P < 0.001]. The white blood cell and neutrophil counts were lower in Omicron group than in the Fever group. The top 5 major symptoms were fever, cough, pharyngalgia, headache and expectoration. Conclusion There are differences between the patients with Omicron infections and Fever outpatients, both in clinical manifestations and initial routine hematology indicators. We hope to provide some clues for early identification combined with a history of living in the epidemic area.

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