The Impact of Social Distancing for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 on Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Influenza Burden
Kathryn M. Edwards
Abstract
Each year pediatricians dread the annual arrival of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza virus because they are both associated with increased respiratory illnesses and resultant hospitalizations. RSV is the major cause of pneumonia in young children and is responsible for yearly global morbidity and mortality Influenza virus also has a major impact, with >100 pediatric deaths each year attributable to influenza in the United States, and the global burden is even more impactful Thus, 3 articles appearing in this issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases demonstrate impressive declines in both RSV and influenza associated with mitigation strategies implemented in response to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. They occur in 3 disparate regions of the world but provide some common perspectives