Hospitalisation, morbidity and outcomes associated with respiratory syncytial virus compared with influenza in adults of all ages

Background Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is understood to be a cause of significant disease in older adults and children. Further analysis of RSV in younger adults may reveal further insight into its role as an important pathogen in all age groups. Methods We identified, through laboratory data, adults who tested positive for either influenza or RSV between January 2017 and June 2019 at a single Australian hospital. We compared baseline demographics, testing patterns, hospitalisations and outcomes between these groups. Results Of 1128 influenza and 193 RSV patients, the RSV cohort was older (mean age 54.7 vs. 64.9, p < 0.001) and was more comorbid as determined by the Charlson Comorbidity Index (2.4 vs. 3.2, p < 0.001). For influenza hospitalisations, the majority admitted were aged under 65 which was not the case for RSV (61.8% vs. 45.6%, p < 0.001). Testing occurred later in RSV hospitalisations as measured by the proportion tested in the emergency department (ED) (80.3% vs. 69.2%, p < 0.001), and this was strongly associated with differences in presenting phenotype (the presence of fever). RSV was the biggest predictor of 6-month representation, with age and comorbidities predicting this less strongly. Conclusion RSV is a significant contributor to morbidity and hospitalisation, sometimes outweighing that of influenza, and is not limited to elderly cohorts. Understanding key differences in the clinical syndrome and consequent testing paradigms may allow better detection and potentially treatment of RSV to reduce individual morbidity and health system burden. This growing area of research helps quantify the need for directed therapies for RSV.

Automated summary

RSV has been identified as a significant contributor to morbidity and hospitalization, especially in older adults. The study compared demographic characteristics, testing patterns, hospitalizations, and outcomes between patients with influenza and RSV, finding that RSV patients were older, had more comorbidities, and were less likely to be tested in the emergency department. RSV was found to be the strongest predictor of 6-month representation, highlighting the need for targeted therapies.