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

摘要

PurposeTo compare the frequency and the severity of influenza and respiratory syncytial viruses (RSV) infections among children <24months hospitalized with respiratory symptoms.MethodsData from a prospective study conducted during the peak of five influenza seasons in the Province of Quebec, Canada were used.ResultsWe 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 <3months.ConclusionEven during peak weeks of influenza season, we found a higher burden and severity of RSV compared with influenza virus disease in hospitalized children <24months.