Clinical Characteristics and Severity of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection in Korean Children during the Post-COVID-19 Pandemic Period

Abstract

We aimed to evaluate the clinical features of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection and risk factors for severe RSV disease among Korean children in 2022/2023. A total of 235 children were identified, and 84.3% were hospitalized. Patients under 3 months and 2 years of age accounted for 20.9% and 54.5%, respectively. Pneumonia was diagnosed in 40.9% of children and bronchiolitis in 23.8%. Respiratory support and intensive care were required in 43.4% and 7.7% of patients, respectively. Haemophilus influenzae nasopharyngeal colonization and the presence of underlying disease showed a significant correlation with severity indicators. The clinical impact of RSV infection was high on infants and toddlers, even those having no underlying disease or not being indicated for palivizumab.