Characteristics of symptoms during athletes’ COVID-19 infection and return to training: A descriptive study

This study aims to analyze the symptom characteristics and changes in symptoms upon returning to training among athletes infected with the novel corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The findings provide recommendations for training and medical support for athletes after infection. In-depth analysis was conducted on symptom data from 221 athletes who tested positive for COVID-19 between December 2022 and January 2023. The data were collected during a sports performance recovery test series, which included 3 questionnaires assessing symptom occurrence and subjective severity during the infection and recovery periods. After the initial positive test, athletes took approximately 7 days to test negative. The main symptoms during infection were fever, dry cough, and fatigue, with occurrence rates exceeding or approaching 90% and fatigue symptoms being higher than moderate severity. Upon returning to training, the predominant symptoms were dry cough, fatigue, muscle soreness, and excessive sleepiness, with occurrence rates exceeding or approaching 50% and all symptoms being lower intensity than moderate. With the progression of training, the occurrence and severity of dry cough and excessive sleepiness decreased, while the occurrence of fatigue and muscle soreness remained relatively stable but with reduced intensity. Some less prevalent symptoms showed minimal changes. Athletes infected with the Omicron variant of COVID-19 primarily exhibit fever, dry cough, and fatigue, which typically turn negative after approximately 7 days. Upon returning to training, respiratory symptoms subside quickly, while persistent symptoms mainly consist of fatigue. Less prevalent symptoms may become prolonged if they fail to subside promptly.