SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus coinfections in the Tuscan population during the 2021/2022 influenza season.

Publisher: Pacini editore Country of Publication: Italy NLM ID: 9214440 Publication Model: eCollection Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 2421-4248 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 11212233 NLM ISO Abbreviation: J Prev Med Hyg Subsets: MEDLINE

Publication: Ospedaletto (Pisa), Italy : Pacini editore
Original Publication: Parma, Italy : CEM, Casa editrice Maccari, [1989-

COVID-19*/epidemiology ; Influenza, Human*/epidemiology ; Coinfection*/epidemiology ; SARS-CoV-2*; Humans ; Italy/epidemiology ; Female ; Adult ; Male ; Child ; Middle Aged ; Child, Preschool ; Adolescent ; Aged ; Seasons ; Infant ; Young Adult ; Incidence ; Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections/epidemiology

Introduction: The 2021/2022 influenza season was not characterised by a well-defined incidence peak. As reported by the Italian National Institute of Health, a high value of incidence of influenza cases was recorded in week 13, but it was still lower than in other influenza seasons. This abnormal circulation was probably due to relaxation of the COVID-19 pandemic restriction measures, such as social distancing, smart-working, home leaning and the use of masks, which greatly reduced the circulation of respiratory-transmitted viruses, including human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV). The symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza are quite similar, sharing the human-to-human transmission route via respiratory droplets.
Methods: The aim of this study was to estimate the rate of coinfection with influenza viruses and/or HRSV in SARS-CoV-2-positive subjects (N = 940) in a population of central Italy during the 2021/2022 season.
Results: A total of 54 cases of coinfection were detected during the study period, 51 cases (5.4%) of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus and three cases (0.3%) of SARS-CoV-2 and HRSV coinfection.
Conclusions: These results highlight the importance of continuous monitoring of the circulation of influenza virus and other respiratory viruses in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript; or in the decision to publish the results.
(©2024 Pacini Editore SRL, Pisa, Italy.)

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Keywords: Coinfection; Population; Respiratory viruses

Date Created: 20240506 Date Completed: 20240506 Latest Revision: 20240507

20240507

PMC11066830

10.15167/2421-4248/jpmh2024.65.1.3179

38706768