Author:
Wiselka M. J.,Kent J.,Cookson J. B.,Nicholson K. G.
Abstract
SummaryThis study investigated the morbidity associated with respiratory virus infections in patients with well-documented chest disease, and the risk of transmission between close contacts. Patients informed the study team if they were exposed to a family member or colleague with a cold. Patients and symptomatic index cases recorded respiratory symptoms during the study period. Acute nasopharyngeal swabs and paired sera were obtained for viral diagnosis.Twenty-five (43%) of 58 recorded exposures resulted in a symptomatic illness and 16 (28%) patients developed lower respiratory tract symptoms. Sixteen (64%) of the 25 symptomatic patients contacted their general practitioner, 14 (56%) received antibiotics and 4 (16%) were hospitalized. Mean duration of illness was 10·6 days in symptomatic patients and 5·7 days in their corresponding index cases (P < 0·005). Mean symptom scores were 100·6 in symptomatic patients and 62.2 in index cases (P < 0·01). Respiratory viruses were identified in 19 (33%) episodes. Rhinovirus, coronavirus and respiratory syncytial virus infections were all associated with lower respiratory tract exacerbations.Respiratory tract symptoms following exposure to a cold were comparatively severe in these patients with chronic chest disease. This group of patients might gain particular benefit from the introduction of effective vaccines or antiviral therapy.
Publisher
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Subject
Infectious Diseases,Epidemiology
Cited by
28 articles.
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