Epidemiology and seasonality of respiratory tract virus infections in the tropics.
Acute viral respiratory tract infections are a significant cause of morbidity worldwide. Information on the epidemiology and seasonality of these infections is important in planning vaccination and treatment strategies. In temperate climes, there are distinct seasonal peaks in the winter months. This paper reviews the seasonal trends of respiratory viral infections in the tropics. Despite the absence of a winter season, consistent seasons of infection, albeit less distinct, have been observed. With few exceptions, respiratory syncytial virus and influenza infections have been observed mainly during the rainy seasons in Asian, African and South American countries.
Shek
Lynette Pei-Chi
LP
Department of Paediatrics, National University of Singapore, Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119074.
Lee
Bee-Wah
BW
D017677:Age Distribution; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000453:epidemiology; D011891:Rain; D018357:Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000821:virology; D012621:Seasons; D017678:Sex Distribution; D014329:Tropical Climate