Study of Viral Respiratory Infections

Acute viral respiratory infections are a major public health problem, as they cause mortality especially in pediatric patients, over 65 and those with co-morbidities. The most frequently responsible viruses are: Influenza A and B, Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza Virus, Metapneumovirus, Rhinovirus and SARS-CoV-2. By comparing clinical data and laboratory diagnosis among all categories of patients at greatest risk, it is possible to define the symptoms associated with the pathogen and establish which etiological agents could be able to cause clinical pictures characteristics of a given type of patient. The study will also provide information on the potential role that simultaneously detected pathogens may play in determining the severity of the clinical picture. In addition, the results will allow to deepen the changes in seasonality and spread of different respiratory viruses associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.