Respiratory syncytial virus contributes to more severe respiratory morbidity than influenza in children < 2 years during seasonal influenza peaks

Infection. 2019 Aug;47(4):595-601. doi: 10.1007/s15010-019-01287-5. Epub 2019 Feb 23.

Abstract

Purpose: To compare the frequency and the severity of influenza and respiratory syncytial viruses (RSV) infections among children < 24 months hospitalized with respiratory symptoms.

Methods: Data from a prospective study conducted during the peak of five influenza seasons in the Province of Quebec, Canada were used.

Results: We detected higher frequency of RSV compared to influenza viruses (55.3% vs. 16.3%). Radiologically confirmed pneumonia was significantly more frequent in children with RSV (39%) than those with influenza (18%) and the clinical course was more severe in RSV than influenza-infected children, especially among infants < 3 months.

Conclusion: Even during peak weeks of influenza season, we found a higher burden and severity of RSV compared with influenza virus disease in hospitalized children < 24 months.

Keywords: Children; Detection; Hospitalization; Influenza; Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

MeSH terms

  • Epidemiological Monitoring*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Influenza, Human / epidemiology*
  • Influenza, Human / virology
  • Male
  • Population Surveillance*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Quebec / epidemiology
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / epidemiology*
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / virology
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human
  • Seasons