Acute viral respiratory infections in children before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in a Peruvian reference hospital

Abstract

ABSTRACT Our objective was to evaluate the frequency and characteristics of acute respiratory infections (ARI) with confirmed viral etiology in children treated at a Peruvian referral hospital before and during the COVID-19 pandemic between 2019 and 2022. We conducted a descriptive study based on the detection records of adenovirus, influenza A and B (IA and IB), parainfluenza 1-3 (PIV), metapneumovirus (hMPV), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Of 1740 episodes (1220 patients), 14.4% tested positive: 196 (78.0%) RSV, 23 (9.2%) IA, 14 (5.6%) PIV-3, and 13 (5.2%) hMPV. In children under five years of age, RSV predominated, while in children over five years of age, it was IA. The frequency of ARI was lower with increasing age, during the pandemic (2020-2021), and the spring and summer seasons. The higher frequency of respiratory viruses in 2022 highlights the need to maintain and strengthen surveillance and preparedness against these outbreaks.