An epidemiological review of paediatric respiratory viruses in acute hospital presentations with respiratory symptoms

Respiratory viral pathogens have long been known to be responsible for a large burden of seasonal acute paediatric emergency department presentations. We are investigating the local epidemiology of these viral agents which prompt emergency department presentation. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has highlighted the need to understand the process of virus propagation within the community. Greater understanding of the viruses necessitating hospital care in different paediatric populations will become integral to the delivery for future paediatric emergency care. The unprecedented public health measures associated with the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic have also had a dramatic impact upon the distribution of non-SARS respiratory viruses. Improved understanding of this process will provide us with the ability to better direct healthcare resources in future recurrent and emerging virus pandemics.