Viral Respiratory Infections: An Ounce of Prevention Is Worth a Pound of Cure

Disease burden and high-risk populations for complications in patients with acute respiratory infections: a scoping review

Background

Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) represent a significant public health concern in the U.S. This study aimed to describe the disease burden of ARIs and identify U.S. populations at high risk of developing complications.

Methods

This scoping review searched PubMed and EBSCO databases to analyze U.S. studies from 2013 to 2022, focusing on disease burden, complications, and high-risk populations associated with ARIs.

Results

The study included 60 studies and showed that ARI is associated with a significant disease burden and healthcare resource utilization (HRU). In 2019, respiratory infection and tuberculosis caused 339,703 cases per 100,000 people, with most cases being upper respiratory infections and most deaths being lower respiratory infections. ARI is responsible for millions of outpatient visits, especially for influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia, and indirect costs of billions of dollars. ARI is caused by multiple pathogens and poses a significant burden on hospitalizations and outpatient visits. Risk factors for HRU associated with ARI include age, chronic conditions, and socioeconomic factors.

Conclusion

The review underscores the substantial disease burden of ARIs and the influence of age, chronic conditions, and socioeconomic status on developing complications. It highlights the necessity for targeted strategies for high-risk populations and effective pathogen detection to prevent severe complications and reduce HRU.

Respiratory Infections Prevention in Rural Older Adults: An Interventional Study

Respiratory tract infections are one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in older adults. This quasi-experimental study aimed to evaluate the effect of an educational intervention on respiratory infections prevention (RIP) in rural older adults. The study sample composed of 80 older adults from a rural area, randomly assigned into two groups. The intervention group (n = 40) received ten 1-hour twice-weekly sessions and the control group (n = 40) received no intervention. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were done using measures of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding RIP. Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, independent samples t-test, and paired t-test were used for data analysis. The study findings showed that the study intervention resulted in statistically significant improvements in the intervention group's knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding RIP compared with the control group (p < .01). The educational intervention was effective and could be used to help rural older adults prevent respiratory infections.

Seaweed Sulfated Polysaccharides against Respiratory Viral Infections

Respiratory viral infections have been a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite massive advancements in the virology field, no specific treatment exists for most respiratory viral infections. Approved therapies against respiratory viruses rely almost exclusively on synthetic drugs that have potential side effects, restricting their use. This review aims to present natural marine sulfated polysaccharides possessing promising antiviral activity against respiratory viruses that could be a safe alternative to synthetic broad-spectrum antiviral drugs. The antiviral properties of marine sulfated polysaccharides are presented according to their mechanism of action on different types and strains of respiratory viruses, and the potential limits of their use are discussed.