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Respiratory Syncytial Virus-Associated Hospitalizations in Children <5 Years: 2016-2022

Meredith L McMorrow1,2, Heidi L Moline1,2, Ariana P Toepfer1

  • 1Coronavirus and Other Respiratory Viruses Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.

Pediatrics
|June 6, 2024
PubMed

Insights

The COVID-19 pandemic altered respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) seasons, leading to increased hospitalizations in 2021-2022. Despite higher rates, disease severity remained similar to prepandemic periods.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted typical respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) seasonality.
  • This disruption led to early and atypical RSV seasons in 2021 and 2022.
  • The 2022 RSV peak severely impacted pediatric healthcare facilities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the impact of pandemic-disrupted seasons on RSV epidemiology.
  • To compare RSV-associated hospitalization rates and patient characteristics between prepandemic and pandemic seasons.
  • To assess changes in disease severity during atypical RSV seasons.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective surveillance for acute respiratory illness was conducted from 2016-2022 across 7 pediatric hospitals.
  • Data collection involved parent interviews, medical record reviews, and respiratory specimen testing for viruses.
  • RSV-associated hospitalization rates in children under 5 years were estimated and compared across seasons.

Main Results:

  • RSV hospitalization rates increased in 2021 and 2022 compared to prepandemic averages.
  • Children aged 24-59 months showed significantly higher hospitalization rates in 2022.
  • While supplemental oxygen use and viral co-detections increased in 2022, key severity indicators like mechanical ventilation and ICU admission remained unchanged.

Conclusions:

  • The 2021 and 2022 RSV seasons were characterized by atypical patterns and elevated hospitalization rates.
  • Disease severity for hospitalized children during these atypical seasons was comparable to prepandemic periods.
  • These findings highlight the ongoing impact of pandemic-related disruptions on pediatric respiratory virus epidemiology.
Abstract

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