Background Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections are one of the leading causes of lower respiratory tract infections and have a major burden on society. For prevention and control to be deployed effectively, an improved understanding of the seasonality of RSV is necessary. Objectives The main objective of this study was to contribute to a better understanding of RSV seasonality by examining the GERi multi‐country surveillance dataset. Methods RSV seasons were included in the analysis if they contained ≥100 cases. Seasonality was determined using the “average annual percentage” method. Analyses were performed at a subnational level for the United States and Brazil. Results We included 601 425 RSV cases from 12 countries. Most temperate countries experienced RSV epidemics in the winter, with a median duration of 10–21 weeks. Not all epidemics fit this pattern in a consistent manner, with some occurring later or in an irregular manner. More variation in timing was observed in (sub)tropical countries, and we found substantial differences in seasonality at a subnational level. No association was found between the timing of the epidemic and the dominant RSV subtype. Conclusions Our findings suggest that geographical location or climatic characteristics cannot be used as a definitive predictor for the timing of RSV epidemics and highlight the need for (sub)national data collection and analysis.

Background Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the leading causes of acute respiratory tract infections. To optimize control strategies, a better understanding of the global epidemiology of RSV is critical. To this end, we initiated the Global Epidemiology of RSV in Hospitalized and Community care study (GERi). Methods Focal points from 44 countries were approached to join GERi and share detailed RSV surveillance data. Countries completed a questionnaire on the characteristics of their surveillance system. Results Fifteen countries provided granular surveillance data and information on their surveillance system. A median of 1,641 (IQR:552 – 2,415) RSV cases per season were reported from 2000 and 2020. The majority (55%) of RSV cases occurred in the <1-year-olds, with 8% of cases reported in those aged ≥65 years. Hospitalized cases were younger than those in community care. We found no age difference between RSV subtypes and no clear pattern of dominant subtypes. Conclusions The high number of cases in the <1 year-olds indicates a need to focus prevention efforts in this group. The minimal differences between RSV subtypes and their co-circulation implies prevention needs to target both subtypes. Importantly, there appears to be a lack of RSV surveillance data in the elderly.

RESUMO: Objetivo: Classificar os medicamentos usados durante o parto quanto aos riscos na amamentação, utilizando diferentes fontes e verificando suas discordâncias. Métodos: Estudo transversal inserido na coorte de nascimentos de Pelotas de 2015. Coletaram-se informações sobre o uso de medicamentos, classificando-os quanto ao risco de acordo com: manual do Ministério da Saúde (MS), Organização Mundial da Saúde (OMS), classificação de Newton e Hale e Academia Americana de Pediatria (AAP). Resultados: Participaram 1.409 mães, utilizando 14.673 medicamentos, sendo 143 fármacos diferentes, dos quais 28 tiveram classificação de risco na amamentação discordante. Entre aqueles com classificação discordante estão morfina (64%), classificada pela AAP e OMS como compatível e pelo MS e por Newton e Hale como criterioso; hioscina (23%), criterioso pelo MS e compatível (A) pela AAP; e metoclopramida (18%), compatível pelo MS, de efeitos desconhecidos (D) pela AAP e evitado de acordo com a OMS. Do total de medicamentos, 49,7% foi classificado como compatível com a amamentação. Quase a totalidade das mulheres utilizou ocitocina (97,4%), seguida de lidocaína (75%), cetoprofeno (69%), cefalotina (66%) e diclofenaco (65%), classificados como compatíveis. Conclusão: Houve amplo uso de medicamentos pelas mães durante a internação para o parto, a maioria deles classificada no mesmo grau de risco, e quase a metade classificada como compatível com a amamentação, porém houve discordância entre as fontes para 19,6% dos medicamentos analisados, o que pode colocar em risco a saúde do lactente ou deixar dúvida quanto ao uso do medicamento ou à prática da amamentação.

IntroductionThe high burden of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection in young children disproportionately occurs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The PROUD (Preventing RespiratOry syncytial virUs in unDerdeveloped countries) Taskforce of 24 RSV worldwide experts assessed key needs for RSV prevention in LMICs, including vaccine and newer preventive measures.MethodsA global, survey-based study was undertaken in 2021. An online questionnaire was developed following three meetings of the Taskforce panellists wherein factors related to RSV infection, its prevention and management were identified using iterative questioning. Each factor was scored, by non-panellists interested in RSV, on a scale of zero (very-low-relevance) to 100 (very-high-relevance) within two scenarios: (1) Current and (2) Future expectations for RSV management.ResultsNinety questionnaires were completed: 70 by respondents (71.4% physicians; 27.1% researchers/scientists) from 16 LMICs and 20 from nine high-income (HI) countries (90.0% physicians; 5.0% researchers/scientists), as a reference group. Within LMICs, RSV awareness was perceived to be low, and management was not prioritised. Of the 100 factors scored, those related to improved diagnosis particularly access to affordable point-of-care diagnostics, disease burden data generation, clinical and general education, prompt access to new interventions, and engagement with policymakers/payers were identified of paramount importance. There was a strong need for clinical education and local data generation in the lowest economies, whereas upper-middle income countries were more closely aligned with HI countries in terms of current RSV service provision.ConclusionSeven key actions for improving RSV prevention and management in LMICs are proposed.

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