Research from D.M. Fleming and co-researchers in the area of respiratory syncytial virus in children described
2007 NOV 20 -- Researchers detail in 'Morbidity profiles of patients consulting during influenza and respiratory syncytial virus active periods,' new data in respiratory syncytial virus. "We compared the burden of illness due to a spectrum of respiratory diagnostic categories among persons presenting in a sentinel general practice network in U.K. and Wales during periods of influenza and of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity. During all periods of viral activity, incidence rates of influenza-like illness, bronchitis and common cold were elevated compared to those in baseline periods," scientists writing in the journal Epidemiology and Infection report. "Excess rates per 100,000 of acute bronchitis were greater in children aged <1 year (median difference 2702, 95% CI 929-4867) and in children aged 1-4 years (994, 95% CI 338-1747) during RSV active periods rather than influenza; estimates for the two viruses were similar in other age groups. Excess rates of influenza-like illness in all age groups were clearly associated with influenza virus activity. For common cold the estimates of median excess rates were significantly higher in RSV active periods for the age groups <1 year (3728, 95% CI 632-5867) and 5-14 years (339, 95% CI 59-768); estimates were similar in other age groups for the two viruses," wrote D.M. Fleming and colleagues, . The researchers concluded: "The clinical burden of disease associated with RSV is as great if not greater than influenza in patients of all ages presenting to general practitioners." Fleming and colleagues published their study in Epidemiology and Infection (Morbidity profiles of patients consulting during influenza and respiratory syncytial virus active periods. Epidemiology and Infection, 2007;135(7):1099-108). Additional information can be obtained by contacting D.M. Fleming, Birmingham Research Unit of the Royal College of General Practitioners, Birmingham, UK. The publisher of the journal Epidemiology and Infection can be contacted at: Cambridge University Press, 40 West 20th St., New York, NY 10011-4211, USA. Keywords: United Kingdom, Birmingham, Flu, Infectious Disease, Influenza, Pulmonology, Respiratory Syncytial Virus. This article was prepared by Virus Weekly editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Virus Weekly via NewsRx.com.
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