Abstract
Introduction
Given its potential long-term morbidity, understanding how prior coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may affect acute mountain sickness (AMS) susceptibility is important for preascent risk stratification.
Objective
To examine if prior COVID-19 impacts the risk of developing AMS.
Methods
This was a prospective observational study conducted in Lobuje (4940 m) and Manang (3519 m), Nepal, from April to May 2022. Acute mountain sickness was defined by the 2018 Lake Louise Questionnaire criteria. Individuals were enrolled on the afternoon/evening of arrival to the study sites.
Results
In the Lobuje cohort of 2027, 46.5% reported prior history of COVID-19, with 25.7% AMS point prevalence. There was no association between AMS and either COVID-19 history (P=0.7) or symptom duration (P=0.09). Logistic regression yielded no relationship between prior COVID-19 and AMS (odds ratio, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.71–1.34). In the Manang cohort of 908, 43.5% reported a prior history of COVID-19, with 14.7% AMS point prevalence. There was no association between AMS and prior COVID-19 (P=0.1) or symptom duration (P=0.07). Logistic regression yielded no relationship between prior COVID-19 and AMS (odds ratio, 3.619; 95% CI, 1.33-16–7.41119). Both cohorts exhibited a rare severe COVID-19 history.
Conclusions
A history of mild COVID-19 disease was not associated with increased risk of AMS. Prior mild COVID-19 disease should not preclude high altitude travel.
Keywords: altitude sickness, altitude, COVID-19, primary prevention, risk assessment