Kurz H, Sever-Yildiz G, Kocsisek CV, Resch E, Großschädl C, Totschnig L, Resch B. Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Influenza During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Two-center Experience.
Pediatr Infect Dis J 2024;
43:410-414. [PMID:
38266234 PMCID:
PMC11003405 DOI:
10.1097/inf.0000000000004260]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
The aim of the study was to determine the burden of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza disease during the COVID-19 pandemic at 2 Austrian urban pediatric centers between October 1, 2019 and April 30, 2022.
METHODS
We performed a retrospective observational 2-center study on RSV- and influenza virus-associated hospitalizations in infants and children up to 18 years at the University Hospital of Graz and the Clinic Donaustadt of Vienna from October 1, 2019 to April 30, 2022. Hospitalization had to be associated with the infectious disease, proven by polymerase chain reaction, including presence of respiratory symptoms. Demographic data including underlying diseases and treatment strategies were compared between centers and diseases, respectively.
RESULTS
There were 826 cases in Graz and 379 in Vienna with significant more RSV cases in Graz and more influenza cases in Vienna (RSV: 76% vs. 59%, influenza: 24% vs. 41%; both P < 0.001). One death occurred in Graz due to RSV and another due to influenza in Vienna. Seasonality only slightly differed between centers and severity of diseases was not aggravated when measured by pediatric intensive care unit admission rates, need for supplemental oxygen and respiratory support between first and last seasons. Treatment regimen differed regarding higher use of antibiotics and rates of intravenous fluids in Vienna compared to higher rates of bronchodilators, corticosteroids and nose drops in Graz.
CONCLUSIONS
We observed higher numbers of hospitalizations due to both viruses after the lockdown but not increased severity of the diseases; and mortality remained extremely low. Preventive measures should be implemented with high priority especially focused on infants with underlying diseases.
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