RSV test results in function of demographics.

Seasonal influenza and RSV outbreaks cause considerable morbidity and mortality in the pediatric population worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed virus epidemiology. Until today, it is still unclear how this pandemic affected the transmission of common respiratory viruses. The present study aimed at comparing the prevalence of RSV and influenza A/B infection before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Lebanese pediatric population. A multicenter retrospective cross-sectional study was performed from September 2018 to December 2022 at the Lebanese American University Medical Center – Rizk Hospital and Abou Jaoude Hospital in Lebanon. Included were children (0–18 years) tested for Influenza A and B and RSV by Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Test and Rapid Antigen Testing, respectively, taken by nasopharyngeal swab at both hospitals where the study was conducted. Data collection was retrieved from the medical records of the patients. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software, version 30.0. This study has considered all ethical measures. Among a total of 1069 children tested, 19.7% tested positive for influenza A, 11.9% for influenza B, and 13.8% for RSV. The study found that young infants were significantly less susceptible to contracting these viruses compared to older children and adolescents (p