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Review
. 2023 Jul 6:61:102089.
doi: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.102089. eCollection 2023 Jul.

Why has the epidemiology of RSV changed during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Bahaa Abu-Raya  1   2 , Marina Viñeta Paramo  1   2 , Frederic Reicherz  1   2 , Pascal Michel Lavoie  1   2
Affiliations
Review

Why has the epidemiology of RSV changed during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Bahaa Abu-Raya et al. EClinicalMedicine. .

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has drastically perturbed the epidemiology of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) respiratory tract infections in children. The reasons for this are not clear. In this article, we review the current literature and critically discuss the different theories to explain why the epidemiology of RSV has changed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Proposed mechanisms include decreased viral immunity in vulnerable age groups caused by the prolonged lack of RSV circulation early in the pandemic, potential Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-induced immune dysregulation, viral interactions between SARS-CoV-2 and RSV, and modifications in health-seeking behaviors as well as heath systems factors. Research in viral genomics and phylogeny, and more robust immunology research is needed to guide RSV prevention and health care resource planning.

Keywords: COVID-19; Co-infection; RSV; Resurgence; Waning immunity.

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Conflict of interest statement

BA received honoraria for participation in live meetings from Sanofi Pasteur France and Canada related to pertussis (for BA) and RSV products, but not related to this study. PML received honoraria for participating in an Advisory Board meeting for Sanofi Canada, unrelated to this study. Other authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

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