Using European Influenza Surveillance Data to Monitor Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Author Information
Author(s): Tamara J Meerhoff, Douglas Fleming, Ann Smith, Anne Mosnier, Arianne B van Gageldonk-Lafeber, W John Paget
Primary Institution: Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (NIVEL)
Hypothesis
Can data on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) collected by the European Influenza Surveillance Scheme (EISS) be used to build an RSV surveillance system in Europe?
Conclusion
The study recommends that respiratory specimens collected in influenza surveillance should also be tested for RSV to develop an effective RSV surveillance system in Europe.
Supporting Evidence
- RSV detections were common in all age groups in England, especially in young children.
- In Scotland and France, the highest percentages of RSV detections were also in the 0-4 year age group.
- Timely data entry for RSV was achieved in 87 out of 104 weeks during the study period.
Takeaway
This study looked at how well we can use existing flu data to also keep track of a virus that makes babies sick, called RSV. It found that we should check for RSV whenever we check for the flu.
Methodology
Data from sentinel physician networks and hospitals in England, France, the Netherlands, and Scotland were analyzed for RSV and influenza during the 2002-2003 winter season.
Potential Biases
Selection biases may occur due to the decision to consult a doctor and the willingness of patients to be sampled.
Limitations
The study is limited to data from four countries and one season, which may not represent all of Europe.
Participant Demographics
Data included various age groups, particularly focusing on children aged 0-4 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.048
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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