High burden of RSV hospitalizations in Germany 2021–2022

Abstract

Background Public health measures implemented to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the worldwide transmission of endemic respiratory viruses such as RSV, as well as other typical, seasonal, and viral respiratory pathogens. Methods From October 18, 2021 to March 31, 2022, RSV cases admitted to German pediatric hospitals were monitored via a newly established, national, Clinician-Led Reporting System (CLRS) that recorded patient age and type of respiratory support. A subanalysis of the first 4 months of the monitoring period was additionally performed. ResultsIn October 2021, a total of 471 hospitalized pediatric RSV cases per day were documented by 67 reporting hospitals. By January 2022, this number dropped to three cases at 11 hospitals (median of reporting hospitals: 37 (11%)). During these months, the median of hospitalized children on general wards and intensive care units was 133 and 15, respectively. In the subanalysis conducted to examine the period October to January, an average of 3.6 ± 2.2 patients per hospital per day were hospitalized on general wards (median 4 cases; range 0.3-8 cases), whereas 0.4 ± 2.2 patients were on intensive care units (median 0.3 cases; range 0-0.9 cases), with 11.5% receiving respiratory support. The majority of patients were under 2 years old. ConclusionThe overall burden of out-of-season RSV cases was extraordinarily high in Germany in 2021-2022. The newly established CLRS may help evaluate and, therefore, better allocate local and national pediatric care resources.

RETRACTED: Physio-metabolic and clinical consequences of wearing face masks—Systematic review with meta-analysis and comprehensive evaluation

“…In the sense of effectiveness of face masks in the real-world setting (cost-benefit), the mask should show a benefit in terms of reduced respiratory infections, e.g., in healthcare through fewer consultations or hospitalizations ( 192 ). Unfortunately, this was not the case, e.g., in Germany ( 193 ) and USA ( 194 ), where mask mandates were ubiquitous ( 9 ). Additionally, there is evidence that COVID-19 rates have been able to expand swiftly when omicron hit ( 178 ) even in societies where mask use was assiduously followed—as in Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore ( 179 ).…”

The surge of RSV and other respiratory viruses among children during the second COVID-19 pandemic winter season

“…However, we cannot conclude that the RSV infections were more severe than before Covid-19. A study from Germany confirmed a higher RSV hospitalization rate than in previous years and an increase in RSV infection rates in 2-to 4-year-old children (25).…”

RSV Burden and Its Impact on Pediatric Inpatient Bed Occupancy in Belgium: An Analysis of National Hospital Claims Data

“…In addition, during the COVID-pandemic, nonpharmaceutical interventions (general preventive and hygienic measures, such as physical distancing and face masks and sensibilization campaigns) against the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 also (temporarily) mitigated the burden of RSV and distorted the normal timing of RSV infections. [47][48][49] These interventions also have the potential to reduce RSV transmission to protect the most vulnerable. On the other hand, infection prevention without the build-up of immunity (eg, through immunization) may have contributed to the high RSV burden in Europe in autumn 2022 and may increase the susceptibility to severe disease later.…”

“…On the other hand, infection prevention without the build-up of immunity (eg, through immunization) may have contributed to the high RSV burden in Europe in autumn 2022 and may increase the susceptibility to severe disease later. 47,49 This study is, to the best of our knowledge, the first to use population-wide representative data to describe the organizational burden of RSV and to quantify the impact of RSV-associated hospitalizations on pediatric bed occupancy. The activity peak in pediatric services is to a large extent driven by the seasonal surge in RSV-associated hospitalizations, with RSV-associated hospitalizations accounting for 20%-40% of bed capacity.…”

“…On the other hand, infection prevention without the build-up of immunity (eg, through immunization) may have contributed to the high RSV burden in Europe in autumn 2022 and may increase the susceptibility to severe disease later. 47,49…”