Age dependent and Independent Symptoms and Comorbidities Predictive of COVID 19 Hospitalization

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)-CoV-2, continues to burden medical institutions around the world by increasing total hospitalization and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admissions[1][1]–[9][2] A better understanding of symptoms, comorbidities and medication used for preexisting conditions in patients with COVID-19 could help healthcare workers identify patients at increased risk of developing more severe disease[10][3],[11][4]. Here, we have used self-reported data (symptoms, medications and comorbidities) from more than 3 million users from the COVID-19 Symptom Tracker app[12][5] to identify previously reported and novel features predictive of patients being admitted in a hospital setting. Despite previously reported association between age and more severe disease phenotypes[13][6]–[18][7], we found that patient’s age, sex and ethnic group were minimally predictive when compared to patient’s symptoms and comorbidities. The most important variables selected by our predictive algorithm were fever, the use of immunosuppressant medication, mobility aid, shortness of breath and fatigue. It is anticipated that early administration of preventative measures in COVID-19 positive patients (COVID+) who exhibit a high risk of hospitalization signature may prevent severe disease progression. ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest. ### Funding Statement no external funding was received ### Author Declarations I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained. Yes The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below: The study was approved under expedited review due to national pandemic response. It passed SAIL/Health Data Research UK - Information Governance Review Panel (IGRP) IGRP application form for project 1088 - COVID-19 Symptom Tracker - GSST - NHS All necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived. Yes I understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance). Yes I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines and uploaded the relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material as supplementary files, if applicable. Yes Data can be requested for access through The Health Data Research Hub for Respiratory Health, in partnership with SAIL Databank. [1]: #ref-1 [2]: #ref-9 [3]: #ref-10 [4]: #ref-11 [5]: #ref-12 [6]: #ref-13 [7]: #ref-18