Hospitalizations Associated With Influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus in the United States, 1993–2008

Abstract

Background. Age-specific comparisons of influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) hospitalization rates can inform prevention efforts, including vaccine development plans. Previous US studies have not estimated jointly the burden of these viruses using similar data sources and over many seasons. Methods. We estimated influenza and RSV hospitalizations in 5 age categories (Results. Mean rates of influenza and RSV hospitalizations were 63.5 (95% confidence interval [CI], 37.5–237) and 55.3 (95% CI, 44.4–107) per 100000 person-years, respectively. The highest hospitalization rates for influenza were among persons aged ≥65 years (309/100000; 95% CI, 186–1100) and those aged Conclusions. Overall US hospitalization rates for influenza and RSV are similar; however, their age-specific burdens differ dramatically. Our estimates are consistent with those from previous studies focusing either on influenza or RSV. Our approach provides robust national comparisons of hospitalizations associated with these 2 viral respiratory pathogens by age group and over time.