Economic Burden of RSV Infections in Children Requiring Primary Care Across Europe
A European study reveals the significant economic burden of RSV infections in children treated in primary care, highlighting variations across countries and implications for immunization strategies.
Recent research published in Eurosurveillance highlights the substantial economic impact of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections among children in Europe, especially those treated in primary care settings. The study analyzed data from 3,414 children under five years old across Belgium, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and the UK during the 2020-2023 RSV seasons. Findings revealed that RSV infections lead to significant costs related to outpatient healthcare and parental work absences, with considerable variation between countries.
Most children with RSV are managed in primary care, and although these cases often entail lower individual health care expenses compared to hospitalization, their cumulative economic burden remains high. Primary care visits per child ranged from 1.4 in the Netherlands to 3.0 in Spain, with hospitalizations occurring in up to 44% of cases depending on the country. The costs associated with outpatient visits were mainly driven by repeated doctor consultations, and parental work absences were a major contributor to overall costs—ranging from EUR 454 in the UK to EUR 994 in Belgium.
Parents missing work to care for sick children accounted for significant economic losses, especially among children aged 1 to 5, while health care costs were higher for infants under 1 year. Medication costs for RSV were relatively minor in comparison to direct and indirect costs like outpatient visits and work absences. Disparities in costs and hospital admission rates reflect differences in healthcare systems, parental leave policies, and care-seeking behaviors across countries.
The study emphasizes the importance of considering these variations when designing RSV immunization strategies, as primary care-treated infections contribute substantially to the total economic burden. These findings are particularly relevant given the recent introduction of RSV vaccines for infants and ongoing development of vaccines for older children. Addressing these economic impacts can aid policymakers in implementing effective prevention measures and optimizing resource allocation.
While the research has limitations, including potential selection bias and the influence of COVID-19, it underscores the need for comprehensive strategies to reduce the societal costs of RSV infections in children.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-rsv-infections-children-requiring-primary.html
Stay Updated with Mia's Feed
Get the latest health & wellness insights delivered straight to your inbox.
Related Articles
RFK Jr. Calls Off Critical US Health Panel Meeting Without Notice, Sparking Concerns
U.S. Health Secretary Kennedy unexpectedly canceled a key preventive health advisory panel meeting, raising concerns over political influence and the future of science-based health policy in the United States.
Emerging Evidence Supports Minimalist Technique in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Latest research at ESC Congress 2025 confirms the safety and efficacy of a minimalist, sedation-free approach to transcatheter aortic valve implantation, offering benefits over traditional methods.
Breakthrough Study Uncovers Early Indicators of Ovarian Cancer Risk
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have identified early cellular changes in the fallopian tubes that may signal the risk of developing ovarian cancer, paving the way for improved early detection and prevention methods.
Disparities in Heart Attack Care Highlight Need for Policy Action
New research reveals racial and ethnic disparities in the treatment of heart attack patients, emphasizing the need for systemic improvements to ensure equitable care for all.