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Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of respiratory syncytial virus, SARS-CoV-2 and influenza paediatric viral respiratory infections in southwest Saudi Arabia

Study Design & Setting: 

  • Retrospective hospital-based study.
  • Conducted at Abha Maternity and Children Hospital, Southern (Aseer) region Saudi Arabia, covering January 2021 – December 2022
  • 423 children admitted with acute respiratory infections (ARI).

Study Objectives: 

  • Primary Aim: Compare clinical and epidemiological characteristics of infections caused by RSV, influenza (A&B), and SARS CoV-2 in hospitalized children.
  • Additional Goal: Identify predictors of pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission among these patients.

Study Population: 

  • Population: Children admitted to Abha Maternity and Children Hospital in 2022 with acute respiratory infections.
  • Case inclusion: Only those confirmed positive for RSV, influenza A/B or SARS-CoV-2.

Figure 1. Age distribution of RSV, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and influenza (A and B) infections among the enrolled children according to the age groups <6 months, 6–12 months and >12 months.

Epidemic curves of RSV, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and influenza (A and B) infections among hospitalized children from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2022.

Gestational Age Distribution – RSV Cases Only

Distribution of Viral Infections in Hospitalized Children

Clinical Outcomes of RSV

Oxygen therapy: 
61.6% of RSV-positive children 

Ventilator support: 
4.3% of cases

ICU admission rate: 
13.3% → higher than influenza & SARS-CoV-2 

Average hospital stay: 
6.1 days (longer than other viral infections)

Seasonality
RSV peaked 
November–February

Mortality
all deaths in infants 
<1 year with 
comorbidities

MAT-BH-2500492-V1-Sep 2025