Aim: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) represents a significant cause of morbidity for children worldwide, especially for newborns. As RSV vaccines are not routinely used for children yet, non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) represent the main strategy for prevention. The objective of this study was to investigate the correlation between school holidays and RSV transmission. Methods: Data were collected from the weekly reports on RSV incidence for the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 seasons in Sweden. The 7-day cumulative incidence of RSV was compared before and after the designated school holidays (Fall, Christmas, and Winter holidays). Results: Our findings reveal an immediate (−1.7%, p < 0.001, 95% CI [−3.1%, −0.4%]) and gradual (−1.4%/week, p < 0.001, 95%CI [−1.8, −1.0]) reduction in RSV incidence following the Fall holiday in 2021, especially among children under 1 year of age, both immediately (−107.6%, p < 0.05, 95% CI [−203.7, −11.5]) and gradually afterwards (−58.5%/week, p < 0.001, 95% CI [−72.7, −44.3]). Mixed results were obtained for the Fall in 2022/2023 and for the Winter and holidays in both the studied years. Conclusions: While the Fall holiday in 2021/2022 was associated with a decrease in RSV incidence in Sweden, our results do not support a universal effect of school holidays on reducing RSV transmission.
School holidays and respiratory syncytial virus transmission inSweden: An interrupted time series analysis
Odone A;
2024-01-01
Abstract
Aim: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) represents a significant cause of morbidity for children worldwide, especially for newborns. As RSV vaccines are not routinely used for children yet, non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) represent the main strategy for prevention. The objective of this study was to investigate the correlation between school holidays and RSV transmission. Methods: Data were collected from the weekly reports on RSV incidence for the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 seasons in Sweden. The 7-day cumulative incidence of RSV was compared before and after the designated school holidays (Fall, Christmas, and Winter holidays). Results: Our findings reveal an immediate (−1.7%, p < 0.001, 95% CI [−3.1%, −0.4%]) and gradual (−1.4%/week, p < 0.001, 95%CI [−1.8, −1.0]) reduction in RSV incidence following the Fall holiday in 2021, especially among children under 1 year of age, both immediately (−107.6%, p < 0.05, 95% CI [−203.7, −11.5]) and gradually afterwards (−58.5%/week, p < 0.001, 95% CI [−72.7, −44.3]). Mixed results were obtained for the Fall in 2022/2023 and for the Winter and holidays in both the studied years. Conclusions: While the Fall holiday in 2021/2022 was associated with a decrease in RSV incidence in Sweden, our results do not support a universal effect of school holidays on reducing RSV transmission.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
