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Infant hospitalisations and seasonal respiratory viruses seen at Kidz first in 2021
Respirology ; 27(SUPPL 1):179, 2022.
Article in English | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-1816641
ABSTRACT

Introduction:

COVID-19 lockdown measures implemented in March 2020 markedly reduced hospitalisations of infants with respiratory infections at Kidz First Hospital. There was no characteristic winter peak of respiratory infections with only three hospitalisations during 1 March-31 August with a positive PCR result for RSV and one for influenza. The commencement of quarantine-free travel between Australia and New Zealand started in April 2021 and within 2 weeks there was a positive PCR panel for RSV at Kidz First, the first RSV positive test for over a year with case numbers steadily increasing thereafter.

Methods:

To confirm the return of the winter peak we examined respiratory viral PCR test results and infant lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) hospitalization data from 1 January 2015, through 31 July 2021. All specimens submitted by Kidz First clinicians for respiratory viral PCR testing were identified. ICD codes were used to identify infants <2 years of age hospitalized for >3 h with a LRTI.

Results:

During the months of March-July the number of inpatient hospitalisations at Kidz First varied from 944 in 2015 to 706 in 2018. There was a dramatic reduction to 144 hospitalisations in 2020 but this has rebounded back to 730 in 2021. The number of positive PCR panels for RSV increased to 803(52%) with a much higher percentage than any previous year. There were no PCR positive tests for influenza A or B. The percentage of positive PCR panels for adenovirus (7%), parainfluenza (4%) and rhinovirus/ enterovirus (53%) have remained similar to previous years. Clinician-directed investigation of infants with respiratory infections has increased in response to COVID-19.

Conclusion:

Easing of COVID-19 restrictions and commencement of quarantine-free travel with Australia has likely resulted in the return of RSV and LRTI hospitalisations rates similar to previous winter peaks.
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Full text: Available Collection: Databases of international organizations Database: EMBASE Language: English Journal: Respirology Year: 2022 Document Type: Article

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Full text: Available Collection: Databases of international organizations Database: EMBASE Language: English Journal: Respirology Year: 2022 Document Type: Article