Seasonality and severity of respiratory syncytial virus during the COVID-19 pandemic: a dynamic cohort study
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
to investigate seasonality, epidemiological characteristics, and clinical severity variations of RSV-associated hospitalizations following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions in Tuscany, Italy, up to the 2022-2023 season.
METHODS
from 2017 to 2023, a dynamic cohort consisting of all resident children aged ≤2 years was followed-up in regional registries. Person-time incidence rate(IR) of RSV-associated hospitalizations per 1,000 person-years and risk of severe hospitalization (ICU, C-PAP, or mechanical ventilation) per 100 RSV hospitalizations were calculated. RSV seasonality was investigated with retrospective methods.
RESULTS
in total, 193,244 children were followed-up. After the easing of restrictions, RSV epidemics showed earlier seasonality and shorter duration compared to pre-pandemic (2017 to 2019), with this deviation decreased in 2022-2023. In 2021-2022 and 2022-2023, the IR of RSV-associated hospitalizations significantly increased compared to pre-pandemic (2022-2023 risk ratio [RR]: 3.6, 95%CI 3.3-4.0), with larger increases among older age groups. Among hospitalized children, only those aged ≥12 months showed an increased risk of severe hospitalization, particularly during the 2021-2022 (RR 4.7, 95%CI 1.5-24.3).
CONCLUSIONS
findings suggest a gradual return of RSV epidemics to the pre-pandemic pattern, although relevant increases in disease incidence persist. Reduced regular RSV exposure among older children may lead to declining immunity and increased…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 193,244 participants or records.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Improving the translation of search strategies using the Polyglot Search Translator: a randomized controlled trial
- Nutritional, Physical, Cognitive, and Combination Interventions and Frailty Reversal Among Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- Clinical characteristics and risk factors associated with COVID-19 severity in patients with haematological malignancies in Italy: a retrospective, multicentre, cohort study
- A randomized, controlled trial of oral propranolol in infantile hemangioma
- Clinical phenotypes of delirium during critical illness and severity of subsequent long-term cognitive impairment: a prospective cohort study
- Increased physical activity improves sleep and mood outcomes in inactive people with insomnia: a randomized controlled trial
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.