ABSTRACT
Background: Although the burden of influenza is well
characterized, the burden of community-onset non-influenza respiratory
viruses has not been systematically assessed. Understanding the severity
and seasonality of non-influenza viruses, including human coronaviruses,
will provide a better understanding of the overall disease burden from
respiratory viruses that could better inform resource utilization for
hospitals and highlight the value of preventative strategies, including
vaccines.
Methods: From October 2017 to September 2019, a retrospective
study was performed in a pre-defined catchment area to estimate the
population-based incidence of community-onset respiratory viruses
associated with hospitalization. Included patients were> 18 years old, resided in New York City, were
hospitalized for > 24 hours, and had a respiratory
virus detected within 3 calendar-days of admission. Disease burden was
measured by hospital length of stay (LOS), intensive care unit (ICU)
admissions, and in-hospital mortality and compared among those with
laboratory-confirmed influenza versus those with laboratory-confirmed
non-influenza viruses (human coronaviruses, parainfluenza viruses,
respiratory syncytial virus, human metapneumovirus, and adenovirus).
Results: During the study period, 4,232 eligible patients were
identified of whom 50.9% were > 65 years of age. For
each virus, the population-based incidence was highest for those> 80 years of age. When compared to those with
influenza viruses detected, those with non-influenza respiratory viruses
detected (combined) had higher population-based incidence, significantly
more ICU admissions, and higher in-house mortality.
Conclusions: The burden of non-influenza respiratory viruses
for hospitalized adults is substantial. Prevention and treatment
strategies are needed for non-influenza respiratory viruses,
particularly for older adults.
Keywords : influenza, human coronaviruses, parainfluenza
viruses, respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus