Health care-acquired viral respiratory diseases

Abstract

Health care-associated viral respiratory infections, common among hospitalized children, also occur among adults and institutionalized persons and result in increased patient morbidity, mortality, and health care costs. Approximately 20% of patients with healthcare-associated pneumonia have viral respiratory infections, with 70% of these infections caused by adenovirus, influenza virus, parainfluenza virus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). These infections typically reflect the level of viral activity within the community. This article focuses on the epidemiology, transmission, and control of health care-associated RSV and influenza virus.

Figure 1. Percent Reduction in Noted Outcomes in Healthcare Workers Receiving Influenza Vaccination

Adapted from Talbot et al.[37] Values marked by an asterisk (*) were statistically significant (p < 0.05) compared to an unvaccinated control group. Patient mortality data from Hayward et al. is from 2 different seasons.[71] A multivariate analysis of the Lemaitre study showed that staff vaccination was a significant independent predictor of patient mortality.[72]