Peak Nasal SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza Viral Loads Relative to Symptom Onset, 2022-2025: Impact of Vaccination and Implications for Multiplexed Testing.

ABSTRACT:

Background

We previously reported that nasal SARS-CoV-2 viral loads (VL) peaked around the fourth day of symptoms in highly immune adults sampled April 2022 - April 2023, while influenza A VL peaked soon after symptom onset. We hypothesized that SARS-CoV-2 kinetics may have changed due to reduced COVID-19 incidence and altered vaccination patterns. Understanding how viral kinetics evolve over time is essential to inform testing strategies.

Methods

Participants with symptomatic upper respiratory infection were recruited at testing centers in Georgia April 14, 2023-April 11, 2025. Participants reported date of symptom onset and vaccination history. A nasal swab was tested on the Xpert^® Xpress CoV-2/Flu/RSV-Plus assay and Ct values recorded.

Results

552 adults

SUBMITTER: Hunt JH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12838312 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature