The Rate of İnfluenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Patients With Upper Respiratory İnfection Symptoms During the Covid-19 Pandemic Period

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to investigate the rates of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in patients who applied to the emergency department with symptoms of upper and lower respiratory tract infections during the COVİD-19 pandemic.
METHODS: This study was conducted with patients admitted to the xxxHospital Emergency Department with symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection between 15.03.2021 and 15.05.2021. SARS-CoV-2 and RSV were studied by using Multiplex PCR test on nasopharyngeal swab samples taken from these patients. The research was conducted as a prospective, descriptive case study. Patient selection was determined by physicians working in green area polyclinics. The samples are taken in the 'COVİD-19 PCR Sample Collection Area' of our hospital. Two nasopharyngeal swabs were taken from all patients.
RESULTS: A total of 359 patients had participated in this study. Of these patients, 51% were men and 49% were women. The age range of these patients ranged from 17 to 70, with a mean age of 36.2. 349 of these patients followed up as outpatients. Of the patients,71.3% included in our study had no history of comorbid disease. SARS-CoV-2 was positive in 94 of the patients participating in our study. Cough, shortness of breath, wheezing and fever is found to be significantly higher in SARS-CoV-2 patients, however nasal discharge was significantly higher in the group with patients had not SARS-CoV-2.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Measures taken against the transmission of Sars-Cov-2 during the pandemic period also reduced the incidence of other respiratory viruses. Historical declines has been found in influenza and RSV ranks. When the restrictions are lifted, epidemics from other respiratory viruses are also expected. Surveillance studies of these viruses should be closely followed and should be prepared for new outbreaks.