Peak Nasal SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza Viral Loads Relative to Symptom Onset, 2022-2025: Impact of Vaccination and Implications for Multiplexed Testing
In 2023-25, median SARS-CoV-2 VL peaked earlier relative to symptom onset compared to a highly immune 2022-23 cohort. More recent vaccination correlated with delayed peak VL, suggesting more robust immunity correlates with earlier symptom onset relative to peak. Median influenza A VL were highest at symptom onset, versus 4 days into symptoms for influenza B. These findings can inform use of multiplexed antigen tests amidst changing immunity and viral circulation patterns.
Authors
- Kaleb McLendon (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6040-1346)
- Greg Martin
- Adrianna Westbrook (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9309-6205)
- Joanne H. Hunt (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6230-841X)
- Richard Parsons (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5691-0084)
- Gregory L. Damhorst (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2237-1713)
- Nira R. Pollock
- Jennifer Frediani
- Julie A. Sullivan
- Wilbur A. Lam
Institutions
- Boston Children's Hospital (US)
- Emory University (US)
- Point University (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- medRxiv
- Published
- 2025-12-30
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.64898/2025.12.23.25342938
- Primary Topic
- SARS-CoV-2 detection and testing
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00
Funders
- National Institutes of Health