Find in Library
Search millions of books, articles, and more
Indexed Open Access Databases
Comparative Analysis of Pediatric Hospitalizations during Two Consecutive Influenza and Respiratory Virus Seasons Post-Pandemic
oleh: Santiago Presti, Sara Manti, Francesco Gambilonghi, Giuseppe Fabio Parisi, Maria Papale, Salvatore Leonardi
Format: | Article |
---|---|
Diterbitkan: | MDPI AG 2023-08-01 |
Deskripsi
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the epidemiology of respiratory viruses. Non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) led to a dramatic reduction in respiratory infections. However, the long-term effects on respiratory virus epidemiology remain unclear. Materials and Methods: We conducted a comparative study on hospitalized pediatric patients with respiratory illness during two seasons: 1 October 2021 to 15 March 2022 and 1 October 2022 to 15 March 2023. We compared the type of virus, mean duration of hospitalization, and disease severity. Results: In the first season, 47.1% of patients (65/138) tested positive for at least one respiratory virus, with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) being the most frequent (23.2%). In the second season, 82.9% of patients (102/123) tested positive, with RSV and <i>Rhinovirus</i> being the most prevalent (28.38% and 27.03%, respectively). Other viruses, such as <i>Influenza</i> A/B, <i>Metapneumovirus</i>, and <i>Adenovirus</i>, also showed increased prevalence. Disease severity and mean duration of hospitalization were similar between the two seasons. Conclusions: Our study highlights increased prevalence in respiratory viruses, including RSV and <i>Rhinovirus</i>, following the easing of NPIs. The prevalence in respiratory viruses, including RSV and <i>Rhinovirus</i>, increased in the second season compared to the first one. Interestingly, RSV’s peak incidence shifted from February to November. The emergence of rhinovirus as the most prevalent respiratory virus during certain months suggests viral competition and dynamic changes in viral circulation. The overall severity of respiratory infections remained relatively stable between the seasons.