Acute respiratory infections among individuals seeking outpatient care in the states of Washington and Michigan by pregnancy status, 2011–2016

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundAcute respiratory infections (ARIs) during pregnancy are associated with poor maternal and fetal outcomes.MethodsUsing U.S. Flu Vaccine Effectiveness Network data (2011–2016) from Washington and Michigan, we tested for respiratory viruses among pregnant and non‐pregnant outpatients matched on age, site, and season (n = 191).ResultsAmong all participants, detection of human coronaviruses and rhinovirus was common. We also observed differences in virus detection by pregnancy status; human coronaviruses and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) were detected more frequently among pregnant and non‐pregnant participants, respectively.ConclusionsThe role of respiratory viruses in maternal ARI morbidity should be further characterized to inform implementation of prevention interventions including maternal vaccines.