Prevalence of Co-Infections with COVID, Flu, RSV
Prevalence of Co-Infections with COVID, Flu, RSV
Study Finds Simultaneous Infections of COVID-19, Influenza, and RSV
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a renewed focus on respiratory infections and their impact on public health. A recent study conducted by researchers at Quest Diagnostics has shed light on the prevalence of simultaneous infections of COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The results, based on more than 26,000 respiratory tests conducted in late 2022, revealed co-infections in over 1% of positive tests.
Lead scientist George Pratt explained that the study aimed to explore the resurgence of other respiratory viruses and potential incidents of co-infection, given the additional circulation of SARS-CoV-2. Notably, co-infections were particularly common among children and teenagers, with a 6% co-infection rate of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A observed in individuals under 21 years old.
The researchers emphasized that patients with multiple simultaneous infections face a higher risk of severe disease and treatment complications. Co-infections typically occur when multiple respiratory diseases are circulating simultaneously, such as during the flu season in winter. However, during an epidemic, like the U.S. spike in cases of RSV observed in late 2022, co-infections can become even more problematic when they coincide with the ongoing spread of COVID-19 and the arrival of seasonal flu.
To obtain these significant findings, the researchers analyzed more than 26,000 respiratory tests, including 9,800 samples from pediatric patients, collected over a 107-day period in a clinical laboratory. The samples were tested for RSV, COVID-19, and influenza A/B. The researchers discovered that co-infections involving two or more viruses occurred in 1.33% of positive results and in 0.55% of the studied samples. The rates of co-infection varied depending on the combination of viruses involved, ranging from 0.38% in adults for both COVID-19 and RSV to 2.28% in adults for both influenza A and COVID-19.
Pratt emphasized the significance of the large sample size used in the study, as it provided valuable insights into the co-infection rates in the Northeast region. He also highlighted the potential for future research to expand on these findings and evaluate the trends of co-infection rates over time.
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Given the preliminary nature of the study’s findings, they were presented at the American Association for Clinical Chemistry annual meeting in July 2023. However, until they are published in a peer-reviewed journal, they should be interpreted cautiously.
Understanding the prevalence and impact of co-infections between respiratory viruses is crucial for public health management. As we continue to navigate future flu seasons and potential epidemics, further research will enable us to gather more data on co-infection rates. This ongoing research will provide valuable information to assess whether co-infection rates are declining or increasing. Ultimately, this knowledge will contribute to improving the prevention and treatment strategies for respiratory infections in the future.
For more information, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers additional resources on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and other related infections.
