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Ann R. Falsey, Coleen K. Cunningham, William H. Barker, Ruth W. Kouides, John B. Yuen, Marilyn Menegus, Leonard B. Weiner, Cynthia A. Bonville, Robert F. Betts, Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Influenza A Infections in the Hospitalized Elderly, The Journal of Infectious Diseases, Volume 172, Issue 2, August 1995, Pages 389–394, https://doi.org/10.1093/infdis/172.2.389
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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 ⩾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.