The effect of SARS-CoV-2 variant on respiratory features and mortality

SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) has caused over 80 million infections 973,000 deaths in the United States, and mutations are linked to increased transmissibility. This study aimed to determine the effect of SARS-CoV-2 variants on respiratory features, mortality, and to determine the effect of vaccination status. A retrospective review of medical records (n = 55,406 unique patients) using the University of California Health COvid Research Data Set (UC CORDS) was performed to identify respiratory features, vaccination status, and mortality from 01/01/2020 to 04/26/2022. Variants were identified using the CDC data tracker. Increased odds of death were observed amongst unvaccinated individuals and fully vaccinated, partially vaccinated, or individuals who received any vaccination during multiple waves of the pandemic. Vaccination status was associated with survival and a decreased frequency of many respiratory features. More recent SARS-CoV-2 variants show a reduction in lower respiratory tract features with an increase in upper respiratory tract features. Being fully vaccinated results in fewer respiratory features and higher odds of survival, supporting vaccination in preventing morbidity and mortality from COVID-19.

Automated summary

This study aimed to determine the impact of SARS-CoV-2 variants on respiratory features, mortality, and vaccination status. A retrospective review of medical records was conducted to identify the effects of vaccination status on survival and respiratory features. The study found increased odds of death among unvaccinated individuals and those who were fully or partially vaccinated during multiple waves of the pandemic. Vaccination status was associated with a decreased frequency of respiratory features and improved survival. Recent SARS-CoV-2 variants showed a reduction in lower respiratory tract features and an increase in upper respiratory tract features.