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- Title
School holidays and respiratory syncytial virus transmission in Sweden: An interrupted time series analysis.
- Authors
Dallagiacoma, Giulia; Radó, Márta K.; Odone, Anna; Alfvén, Tobias; Rhedin, Samuel A.
- Abstract
Aim: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) represents a significant cause of morbidity for children worldwide, especially for newborns. As RSV vaccines are not routinely used for children yet, non‐pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) represent the main strategy for prevention. The objective of this study was to investigate the correlation between school holidays and RSV transmission. Methods: Data were collected from the weekly reports on RSV incidence for the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 seasons in Sweden. The 7‐day cumulative incidence of RSV was compared before and after the designated school holidays (Fall, Christmas, and Winter holidays). Results: Our findings reveal an immediate (−1.7%, p < 0.001, 95% CI [−3.1%, −0.4%]) and gradual (−1.4%/week, p < 0.001, 95%CI [−1.8, −1.0]) reduction in RSV incidence following the Fall holiday in 2021, especially among children under 1 year of age, both immediately (−107.6%, p < 0.05, 95% CI [−203.7, −11.5]) and gradually afterwards (−58.5%/week, p < 0.001, 95% CI [−72.7, −44.3]). Mixed results were obtained for the Fall in 2022/2023 and for the Winter and holidays in both the studied years. Conclusions: While the Fall holiday in 2021/2022 was associated with a decrease in RSV incidence in Sweden, our results do not support a universal effect of school holidays on reducing RSV transmission.
- Subjects
RESPIRATORY syncytial virus infection vaccines; TIME series analysis; RESPIRATORY syncytial virus; BRONCHIOLITIS; CHRISTMAS
- Publication
Acta Paediatrica, 2024, Vol 113, Issue 9, p2081
- ISSN
0803-5253
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1111/apa.17313