TLDR Social media data can help track and predict COVID-19 symptoms and trends.
This study analyzed 471,553,966 COVID-19-related tweets from February 1, 2020, to April 30, 2022, identifying 201 symptoms across 10 body systems. It found a strong correlation between self-reported symptoms and new COVID-19 infections, with a 1-week leading trend. Symptom prevalence shifted from respiratory to musculoskeletal and nervous symptoms over time. Differences between Delta and Omicron strains were noted, with Omicron showing fewer severe and typical COVID-19 symptoms. The co-occurrence network highlighted potential comorbidity risks and disease progressions. The study demonstrates that social media data can effectively complement clinical research by providing a comprehensive view of pandemic symptoms.
353 citations,
February 2022 in “Nature Immunology” Long-haul COVID can cause lasting symptoms affecting many body systems and may be linked to ongoing inflammation and immune system issues.
1250 citations,
August 2021 in “Scientific Reports” COVID-19 leaves 80% of patients with long-term symptoms like fatigue and headaches.
50 citations,
July 2021 in “Nature Communications” The drug enzalutamide may reduce the ability of the virus causing COVID-19 to enter lung cells.
121 citations,
November 2020 in “Endocrine” Male hormones like testosterone may make COVID-19 worse, and testing for sensitivity to these hormones could help predict how severe a patient's symptoms might be. Treatments that reduce these hormones are being explored.
185 citations,
August 2020 in “Mayo Clinic Proceedings” Men are more likely to have severe COVID-19 cases and fatalities than women due to factors like lifestyle, aging, and biological differences.
119 citations,
May 2020 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Most COVID-19 patients in hospitals have androgenetic alopecia, more in men, suggesting a link between androgen sensitivity and severe COVID-19 symptoms.
134 citations,
April 2020 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology” Male pattern hair loss could hint at androgens affecting COVID-19 severity.
