Respiratory syncytial virus and influenza A infections in the hospitalized elderly.
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.
Falsey
A R
AR
Department of Medicine, Rochester General Hospital, New York, USA.
Cunningham
C K
CK
Barker
W H
WH
Kouides
R W
RW
Yuen
J B
JB
Menegus
M
M
Weiner
L B
LB
Bonville
C A
CA
Betts
R F
RF
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
D000956:Antigens, Viral