[Monitoring respiratory syncytial virus through the Spanish influenza surveillance system, 2006-2014]

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of the study is to analyze the information on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) obtained through the Spanish Influenza Surveillance System (SISS) and to study its usefulness as supplementary information for the characterization of influenza epidemics.

Methods: The temporal patterns of both RSV and influenza viruses were analyzed by patterns comparing the weekly viral detection rates from 2006 to 2014.

Results: In general, the RSV circulation was characterized by showing a peak between 52-1 weeks, and circulated from 2 to 8 weeks before/prior to influenza viruses.

Conclusion: RSV information obtained from the SISS is useful for the characterization of influenza epidemics in Spain.

Keywords: Respiratory syncytial virus; Seasonal variation; Sentinel influenza surveillance; Variación estacional; Vigilancia centinela de gripe; Virus respiratorio sincitial.