The effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on the nature of bronchiolitis in infants <6 months admitted to a UK District General Hospital

ABSTRACT

776 Figure 1Bronchiolitis management[Figure omitted. See PDF] 776 Figure 2Length of Stay[Figure omitted. See PDF]ConclusionThis study shows a dramatic decrease in overall admissions for bronchiolitis during ‘lockdown’ at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, then a subsequent summer spike in 2021;but no overall difference in severity. The length of stay was in fact marginally shorter during the pandemic. We conclude that there is no indication that the Covid-19 pandemic led to delays in presentation causing more severe disease in these patients, which may be useful for future service planning.