Characterizing the interactions between influenza and respiratory syncytial viruses and their implications for epidemic control.

ABSTRACT: Pathogen-pathogen interactions represent a critical but little-understood feature of infectious disease dynamics. In particular, experimental evidence suggests that influenza virus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) compete with each other, such that infection with one confers temporary protection against the other. However, such interactions are challenging to study using common epidemiologic methods. Here, we use a mathematical modeling approach, in conjunction with detailed surveillance data from Hong Kong and Canada, to infer the strength and duration of the interaction between influenza and RSV. Based on our estimates, we further utilize our model to evaluate the potential conflicting effects of live attenuated influenza vaccines (LAIV) on RSV burden. We find evidence of a moderate

SUBMITTER: Kramer SC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11579344 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature