Transmission of paediatric respiratory syncytial virus and influenza in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic

The non-pharmaceutical interventions implemented to slow the spread of SARS-CoV-2 have had consequences on the transmission of other respiratory viruses, most notably paediatric respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza. At the beginning of 2020, lockdown measures in the southern hemisphere le...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Euro surveillance : bulletin européen sur les maladies transmissibles 2021-07, Vol.26 (29)
Main Authors: Williams, Thomas C, Sinha, Ian, Barr, Ian G, Zambon, Maria
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Child
Childrens health
Communicable Disease Control
COVID-19
Disease transmission
Europe
Humans
Immunization
Influenza
Influenza, Human - epidemiology
Influenza, Human - prevention & control
Pandemics
Pandemics - prevention & control
Pediatrics
Phylogeny
Respiratory syncytial virus
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections - epidemiology
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections - prevention & control
Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human
SARS-CoV-2
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Summary:The non-pharmaceutical interventions implemented to slow the spread of SARS-CoV-2 have had consequences on the transmission of other respiratory viruses, most notably paediatric respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza. At the beginning of 2020, lockdown measures in the southern hemisphere led to a winter season with a marked reduction in both infections. Intermittent lockdowns in the northern hemisphere also appeared to interrupt transmission during winter 2020/21. However, a number of southern and northern hemisphere countries have now seen delayed RSV peaks. We examine the implications of these unpredictable disease dynamics for health service delivery in Europe, such as paediatric hospital and intensive care bed space planning, or palivizumab prophylaxis. We discuss the challenges for RSV vaccine trials and influenza immunisation campaigns, and highlight the considerable research opportunities that have arisen with the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. We argue that the rapid advances in viral whole genome sequencing, phylogenetic analysis, and open data sharing during the pandemic are applicable to the ongoing surveillance of RSV and influenza. Lastly, we outline actions to prepare for forthcoming influenza seasons and for future implementation of RSV vaccines.
ISSN:1560-7917
1025-496X
1560-7917
DOI:10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2021.26.29.2100186