Respiratory viruses: their importance and lessons learned from COVID-19

Abstract

Respiratory virus infection can cause severe illnesses capable of inducing acute respiratory failure that can progress rapidly to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). ARDS is related to poor outcomes, especially in individuals with a higher risk of infection, such as the elderly and those with comorbidities,i.e.obesity, asthma, diabetes mellitus and chronic respiratory or cardiovascular disease. Despite this, effective antiviral treatments available for severe viral lung infections are scarce. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic demonstrated that there is also a need to understand the role of airborne transmission of respiratory viruses. Robust evidence supporting this exists, but better comprehension could help implement adequate measures to mitigate respiratory viral infections. In severe viral lung infections, early diagnosis, risk stratification and prognosis are essential in managing patients. Biomarkers can provide reliable, timely and accessible information possibly helpful for clinicians in managing severe lung viral infections. Although respiratory viruses highly impact global health, more research is needed to improve care and prognosis of severe lung viral infections. In this review, we discuss the epidemiology, diagnosis, clinical characteristics, management and prognosis of patients with severe infections due to respiratory viruses.

Clinical performance evaluation of the Fluorecare® SARS-CoV-2 & Influenza A/B & RSV rapid antigen combo test in symptomatic individuals

“…The RNA viruses SARS-CoV-2, influenza A (Flu A), influenza B (Flu B) and the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are the most threatening viruses causing acute lower respiratory infections with overlapping clinical manifestations [1] . The early and rapid diagnosis and differentiation between these viruses is essential for clinical management, infection control, and epidemiological surveillance [2] .…”

Quinones as Promising Compounds against Respiratory Viruses: A Review

“…In the following months, SARS-CoV-2 transmission accelerated, and COVID-19 spread to several countries, with infections ranging from asymptomatic or mild upper respiratory tract illness to pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome. The WHO officially declared the global outbreak of COVID-19 a pandemic on 11 March 2020 [ 50 , 51 , 52 ]. On 16 December 2022, the WHO reported over 647 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 and more than 6.6 million deaths worldwide [ 53 ].…”

Editorial: Personalized therapy in ARDS

“…Superinfections are common in COVID-19 ARDS (C-ARDS) ( 3 ). In a prospective multicentric study, Weiss-Tessbach et al investigated the use of biomarkers in patients with C-ARDS and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).…”