title: Respiratory syncytial virus and influenza A infections in the hospitalized elderly.
abstract: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections in the institutionalized elderly have been described; however, there is little information on the impact of RSV infection on community-dwelling elderly. The purpose of this study was to determine the relative numbers of hospitalizations associated with RSV infection and compare the clinical manifestations with influenza A infection. Between November and April during 1989-1992, persons > or = 65 years old hospitalized with acute cardiopulmonary conditions or influenza-like illnesses were evaluated. Evaluation included viral culture, RSV antigen detection, and serologic analysis; 159 (10%) of 1580 had RSV infection and 221 (11%) of 2091 had influenza A. RSV and influenza A cases occurred simultaneously throughout the 3 years. Clinical manifestations were similar; however, patients with RSV infection were more likely to receive therapy for bronchospasm. Death rates were 10% and 6% for RSV infection and influenza A, respectively. RSV infection is the cause of serious disease in community-dwelling older persons.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Rochester General Hospital, New York, USA.
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Falsey
authors.forename: C K
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Cunningham
authors.forename: W H
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Barker
authors.forename: R W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Kouides
authors.forename: J B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Yuen
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Menegus
authors.forename: L B
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Weiner
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Bonville
authors.forename: R F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Betts
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000401:mortality; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D018357:Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000401:mortality; D012621:Seasons; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000956:Antigens, Viral