Investigation of the Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Viral Respiratory Tract Infections in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

Introduction: This study aimed to compare the incidence of non-COVID-19 viral respiratory tract infections (RD) in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) before and during the pandemic period. Materials and Methods: The viral RTI diagnoses followed up in the NICU of our hospital during the pre-pandemic period (PPP, March 10, 2019-March 10, 2020) and the pandemic period (PP, March 11, 2020-March 11, 2021) were analyzed retrospectively. The incidence of viral RTIs was compared between the two periods, and the data were statistically evaluated. Results: A total of 1550 newborns were observed during PPP, and 1109 newborns were monitored during the PP. There were 24 (1.54%) positive viral respiratory tract samples in the PPP and 3 (0.27%) positive viral respiratory tract samples in the PP (p = 0.0011). While there were 18 Respiratory syncytial virus infections in the PPP, only two were detected in the PP (p = 0.004). Conclusion: Mask use, physical distancing, increased hygiene practices, and various restrictions implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic reduce the incidence of viral RTIs in newborns. Experience gained throughout this pandemic may serve as a guide to lowering the incidence of RTIs in newborns.