Epidemiology of human metapneumovirus associated respiratory tract infections

We aim to understand and compare the impact of different respiratory infections in hospitalised patients of all ages, specifically human metapneumovirus (hMPV), human parainfluenza virus (PIV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and influenza, on people seeking healthcare at NHS Lothian between 2010 and 2022. We will estimate, for each of the virus groups, the severity of disease, requirement of different levels of medical care and the clinical outcomes. This will allow a comparison of the requirement of different levels of medical care, and clinical outcomes with those in each of the viral groups.  We will examine data separately for different age groups and underlying health condition status.

The findings will help healthcare providers allocate their resources more effectively, develop strategies to prevent and manage these infections, and guide the development of vaccines for hMPV and vaccination policies for specific groups.