'Respiratory virus' First Seasonal Analysis Adenovirus and rhinovirus increase in the new semester

Sep 05, 2024

'Respiratory virus' First Seasonal Analysis Adenovirus and rhinovirus increase in the new semester
data photo source=Pixabay
While the importance of managing respiratory virus infection has been emphasized since the COVID-19 pandemic, the results of the first study analyzing the seasonal characteristics of the eight most popular respiratory viruses in Korea with statistical techniques have been published in an international academic journal.

In particular, 'linovirus', which shows symptoms such as runny nose and cough, and 'adenovirus', which causes high fever, cough, and diarrhea, are increasing during the change of seasons, so special attention is needed to manage the health of children vulnerable to respiratory infections these days when the new semester begins.

A research team led by Professor Lee Jin-guk of the Catholic Medical University's Respiratory Medicine Seoul St. Mary's Hospital and Professor Ahn Tae-joon of Yeouido St. Mary's Hospital analyzed data on eight respiratory viruses collected nationwide through the Korean influenza and respiratory monitoring system. The period of data used is from 2015 to 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dynamic time warping (DTW) statistics confirmed the annual similarity of eight viruses, followed by rhinovirus, influenza virus, and respiratory syncytial virus overall, followed by adenovirus and parainfluenza virus.

Then, for seasonal analysis, the analysis was performed using the Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average. As a result, respiratory viruses in Korea could be classified into winter viruses (influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, human coronavirus), spring/summer viruses (parainfluenza, boca), and spring viruses (human metapneumovirus).

Rhinovirus and adenovirus have been identified throughout the year, showing a tendency to increase, especially in spring and fall during the semester.

In addition, the research team further studied 2023 data after the COVID-19 pandemic and confirmed the same seasonality. This is the first study to confirm that the seasonality of the Korean respiratory virus has recovered to pre-pandemic levels since the pandemic.

Respiratory viruses are easily transmitted through droplets and air by direct or indirect contact. The Spanish flu, swine flu, MERS, and COVID-19 viruses not only cause health problems and socio-economic burdens around the world, but also have a great influence on society before and after the outbreak. Humanity has learned the lesson of understanding and preventing respiratory viral infections throughout the world's pandemic.

Professor Ahn Tae-joon said, "This is the first comprehensive analysis of the seasonal characteristics of each virus using domestic respiratory virus monitoring system data. In particular, it is important to confirm for the first time that the same seasonal trend is observed even when comparing before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. We hope that further research will be conducted to help predict respiratory viruses and establish an early warning system."

Professor Lee Jin-guk "Not long ago, due to the twin-demic situation where the flu and COVID-19 were prevalent at the same time, the two diseases spread at the same time, and the symptoms were similar, making it difficult to diagnose and treat them."As the new semester begins, there is a possibility of another twin pandemic due to the combination of the COVID-19 virus that does not disappear and the respiratory virus that is popular during the change of seasons, special attention from children, the elderly, and chronically ill people who are vulnerable to respiratory infections is needed."

Professor Lee went on to say, `To prevent respiratory viral infections in daily life, wash your hands frequently with soap under running water for more than 30 seconds, and keep the cough etiquette to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, while maintaining proper indoor ventilation" he advised.

The study was published in the recent issue of the official international journal of the Asia-Pacific Respiratory Society 'Respirology (Impact Factor 6.6)'.



'Respiratory virus' First Seasonal Analysis Adenovirus and rhinovirus increase in the new semester
Professors Lee Jin-guk (left) and Ahn Tae-jun


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