Respiratory syncytial virus contributes to more severe respiratory morbidity than influenza in children < 2 years during seasonal influenza peaks
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.
Date de publication (Zotero)
février, 2019