Trends Of Respiratory Viral Infections in Punjab Pakistan In The Post COVID-19 Period

Abstract

Introduction: Respiratory infections caused by viruses are becoming a global concern, especially in the aftermath of COVID-19 pandemic. Due to massive impact of COVID-19 in the past 3 years globally, other viruses causing respiratory illnesses have largely been ignored. But as the COVID-19 pandemic declined, changing trends were seen in the pattern of respiratory viral infections in Pakistan.

Aims & Objectives: To study the trends of respiratory viral infections in Pakistan in the winter of 2022/2023 after the decline of Covid-19 pandemic.

Material & Methods: A total of 454 samples were evaluated for viral pathogens (Influenza A, Influenza B and Respiratory syncytial virus) by running them on Multiplex Polymerase chain reaction. We received 373 samples from Lahore,46 from Multan,24 from Islamabad,6 from Rawalpindi,4 from Okara and 1 from Sheikhupura. Data was analyzed by applying descriptive statistics using SPSS version 23, a p-value of ?0.05 was considered significant.

Results: The prevalence of Influenza A virus was 26.4% (120/454 cases), followed by RSV which showed the prevalence of 10% (46/454 cases) whereas Influenza B showed a prevalence of 6%(27/454cases).

Conclusion: Influenza A and RSV incidence has surged in the year 2022/2023 which is the post Covid -19 period. There is an increased incidence of Influenza A in the elderly population whereas RSV in children.