OVER 141,000 nonhospitalized U.S. veterans were included in a new study that has provided new insights into the relative severity and long-term mortality associated with SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The research, spanning from August 2022 to March 2024, indicates that COVID-19 poses a higher risk of long-term mortality compared to influenza and RSV.
The study evaluated veterans who underwent same-day testing for all three viruses and were diagnosed with a single infection. Key findings include:
30-Day Hospitalization Rates (2023-2024 Season):
COVID-19: 16.2%
Influenza: 16.3%
RSV: 14.3%
RSV was associated with a lower 30-day risk of hospitalization compared to both COVID-19 and influenza.
30-Day Mortality Rates (2022-2023 Season):
COVID-19: 1.0%
Influenza: 0.7%
RSV: 0.7%
COVID-19 exhibited a slightly higher 30-day mortality rate compared to influenza and RSV during this period.
180-Day Mortality Risk:
COVID-19 consistently showed a higher long-term mortality risk through 180 days in both seasons studied.
Notably, the study found that vaccination played a significant role in mitigating disease severity and long-term mortality. Among veterans who received vaccinations against their respective infections, there were no significant mortality differences at any time point between COVID-19 and influenza. However, higher mortality was observed in unvaccinated veterans with COVID-19 compared to those without seasonal influenza vaccination.
These findings underscore the importance of vaccination in reducing severe outcomes and long-term mortality associated with respiratory infections. Healthcare professionals should continue to advocate for vaccination, especially among vulnerable populations, to mitigate the risks associated with these viruses.
Reference: Bajema KL et al. Severity and Long-Term Mortality of COVID-19, Influenza, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus. JAMA Intern Med. 2025. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2024.7452.
Anaya Malik | AMJ
