Transmission of paediatric respiratory syncytial virus and influenza in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Euro Surveill
; 26(29)2021 07.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1323059
ABSTRACT
The non-pharmaceutical interventions implemented to slow the spread of SARS-CoV-2 have had consequences on the transmission of other respiratory viruses, most notably paediatric respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza. At the beginning of 2020, lockdown measures in the southern hemisphere led to a winter season with a marked reduction in both infections. Intermittent lockdowns in the northern hemisphere also appeared to interrupt transmission during winter 2020/21. However, a number of southern and northern hemisphere countries have now seen delayed RSV peaks. We examine the implications of these unpredictable disease dynamics for health service delivery in Europe, such as paediatric hospital and intensive care bed space planning, or palivizumab prophylaxis. We discuss the challenges for RSV vaccine trials and influenza immunisation campaigns, and highlight the considerable research opportunities that have arisen with the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. We argue that the rapid advances in viral whole genome sequencing, phylogenetic analysis, and open data sharing during the pandemic are applicable to the ongoing surveillance of RSV and influenza. Lastly, we outline actions to prepare for forthcoming influenza seasons and for future implementation of RSV vaccines.
Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human
/
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections
/
Influenza, Human
/
COVID-19
Type of study:
Observational study
/
Randomized controlled trials
Topics:
Vaccines
Limits:
Child
/
Humans
Country/Region as subject:
Europa
Language:
English
Journal subject:
Communicable Diseases
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
Affiliation country:
1560-7917.ES.2021.26.29.2100186
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