During the 2022-23 respiratory virus season, patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 experienced significantly worse health outcomes compared to those with influenza or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). While the differences were less pronounced in the following season, RSV remained milder, and long-term mortality from COVID-19 persisted in both seasons, according to a recent study.
“Respiratory viral illnesses caused by SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and RSV are associated with substantial morbidity and mortality, particularly in older adults and those with chronic conditions,” the study authors stated. Vaccines for influenza and COVID-19 are recommended for all adults, while RSV vaccines are advised for older adults. However, vaccination rates remain low.
The annual respiratory virus season from around August to March shows a significant increase in COVID-19, influenza, and RSV cases. | image credit: FreyStudios / stock.adobe.com
The annual respiratory virus season typically peaks from August to March. During this period, cases of COVID-19, influenza, and RSV rise, coinciding with a large portion of the US population that remains unconvinced or indifferent about vaccination.
Historically, the cold season was attributed to people spending more time indoors, facilitating virus transmission. However, recent studies, including one led by Benjamin Bleier, suggest a biological basis for the seasonal pattern of upper respiratory infections. This insight has been crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As COVID-19 joined influenza and RSV in causing seasonal respiratory diseases, researchers focused on how these viruses affect patients during the colder months. A cohort study analyzed the outcomes of over 141,000 nonhospitalized US veterans infected with SARS-CoV-2, influenza, or RSV between 2022 and 2024.
The study included 68,581 veterans in the 2022-23 season and 72,939 in the 2023-24 season. Among the 2022-23 season participants, 6,239 tested positive for RSV, 16,947 for influenza, and 45,395 for COVID-19. For the 2023-24 season, these numbers were 9,748 for RSV, 19,242 for influenza, and 43,949 for COVID-19.
In the 2022-23 season, hospitalization rates were highest among COVID-19 patients (17.5%), followed by influenza (15.9%), and RSV (14.4%). By the 2023-24 season, hospitalization rates for COVID-19 and influenza (16.3% and 16.2%, respectively) became similar, with RSV at 14.3%.
ICU admissions were notably higher for COVID-19 patients, especially in the 2022-23 season, when they faced significantly higher ICU admission rates compared to influenza and RSV. Mortality rates were also higher for COVID-19 patients across both seasons.
The study highlighted that SARS-CoV-2 was the most common infection and resulted in the most severe outcomes, including hospitalization and mortality through six months. Vaccination, particularly updated COVID-19 vaccines, reduced the severity and impact of these infections.
“This was most apparent among older adults and attenuated by updated COVID-19 vaccination,” the authors concluded. They emphasized the critical role of vaccination in minimizing the impact of respiratory viral infections, especially Omicron variants.
Healthcare providers use the respiratory virus season to educate patients about the importance of vaccination. Despite the higher incidence of SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and RSV during the colder months, vaccination rates remain low. The authors noted that vaccination is an important strategy to reduce the severity and mortality of these infections.
In Conclusion
The study underscores the critical importance of vaccination in combating respiratory viruses during the annual virus season. While SARS-CoV-2 is currently the most prevalent and severe infection, influenza and RSV also pose significant risks, especially to vulnerable populations.
Educating the public on the benefits of vaccination can help mitigate the impact of these viruses and reduce hospitalizations, ICU admissions, and mortality rates. Health providers should continue to emphasize the value of vaccination as part of their annual health campaigns.
As the next respiratory virus season approaches, staying informed and taking preventive measures can help protect individuals and communities from the severe outcomes of these infections.
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