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Health care-acquired viral respiratory diseases

William P Goins1, H Keipp Talbot, Thomas R Talbot

  • 1Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, 1709 Dryden Road, BCM 620, Suite 6.15, Houston, TX 77030, USA.

Infectious Disease Clinics of North America
|February 15, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Healthcare-associated viral respiratory infections like Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and influenza increase patient illness and costs. This article reviews the epidemiology, transmission, and control of these common hospital-acquired infections.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health
  • Hospital Epidemiology

Background:

  • Viral respiratory infections are common in healthcare settings, affecting hospitalized children, adults, and institutionalized individuals.
  • These infections contribute significantly to patient morbidity, mortality, and increased healthcare expenditures.
  • Approximately 20% of healthcare-associated pneumonia cases involve viral pathogens, with Adenovirus, Influenza virus, Parainfluenza virus, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) being the most frequent culprits.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive overview of the epidemiology, transmission dynamics, and control strategies for healthcare-associated Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and influenza virus infections.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on healthcare-associated viral respiratory infections.
  • Analysis of epidemiological data regarding the prevalence and causative agents.
  • Synthesis of information on transmission routes and preventative measures.

Main Results:

  • Healthcare-associated viral respiratory infections mirror community viral activity levels.
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and influenza virus are significant pathogens in nosocomial respiratory infections.
  • Understanding transmission is key to implementing effective control measures.

Conclusions:

  • Effective control of healthcare-associated RSV and influenza requires a multi-faceted approach addressing epidemiology and transmission.
  • Public health strategies and hospital infection control practices are crucial for mitigating the impact of these infections.
  • Further research into optimal prevention and management strategies is warranted.

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