Comparative incidence and burden of respiratory viruses associated with hospitalization in adults in New York City

Abstract

Background: Although the burden of influenza is well characterized, the burden of community-onset non-influenza respiratory viruses has not been systematically assessed. Understanding the severity and seasonality of non-influenza viruses, including human coronaviruses, will provide a better understanding of the overall disease burden from respiratory viruses that could better inform resource utilization for hospitals and highlight the value of preventative strategies, including vaccines.

Methods: From October 2017 to September 2019, a retrospective study was performed in a pre-defined catchment area to estimate the population-based incidence of community-onset respiratory viruses associated with hospitalization. Included patients were ≥18 years old, resided in New York City, were hospitalized for ≥24 hours, and had a respiratory virus detected within 3 calendar-days of admission. Disease burden was measured by hospital length of stay (LOS), intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, and in-hospital mortality and compared among those with laboratory-confirmed influenza versus those with laboratory-confirmed non-influenza viruses (human coronaviruses, parainfluenza viruses, respiratory syncytial virus, human metapneumovirus, and adenovirus).

Results: During the study period, 4232 eligible patients were identified of whom 50.9% were ≥65 years of age. For each virus, the population-based incidence was highest for those ≥80 years of age. When compared to those with influenza viruses detected, those with non-influenza respiratory viruses detected (combined) had higher population-based incidence, significantly more ICU admissions, and higher in-house mortality.

Conclusions: The burden of non-influenza respiratory viruses for hospitalized adults is substantial. Prevention and treatment strategies are needed for non-influenza respiratory viruses, particularly for older adults.

Keywords: adenovirus; human coronaviruses; influenza; parainfluenza viruses; respiratory syncytial virus.