Variation in the seasonality of the respiratory syncytial virus during the COVID-19 pandemic

Infection. 2022 Aug;50(4):1001-1005. doi: 10.1007/s15010-022-01794-y. Epub 2022 Mar 22.

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a variation in the circulation of common respiratory viruses. Our objective was to analyse the epidemiology of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis admissions during the COVID-19 pandemic in comparison with previous epidemic seasons.

Methods: We conducted an observational study involving infants with RSV bronchiolitis admitted to a tertiary hospital during two periods: pandemic COVID-19 (15 March 2020-30 September 2021) and pre-pandemic (1 October 2014-14 March 2020). Demographic and clinical characteristics were collected.

Results: A total of 270 patients were admitted for RSV bronchiolitis: 253 in the pre-pandemic period with an average of 42 admissions per season vs 17 in the pandemic. During the pandemic, the RSV outbreak started late in June 2021 with a higher percentage of prematurity and PICU admissions.

Conclusion: A change in RSV seasonality was observed during the COVID-19 pandemic, with an unusual outbreak in summer 2021 of lower magnitude than previous seasons.

Keywords: Bronchiolitis; COVID-19; Epidemiology; Pandemic; Respiratory syncytial virus.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Bronchiolitis* / epidemiology
  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • Hospitalization
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Pandemics
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections* / epidemiology
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human*
  • Seasons