Epidemiological and Clinical Characteristics of Infections in Hospitalized Children During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic

Infections, particularly those affecting the respiratory system, are a major cause of hospitalization among children. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the landscape of childhood infections underwent a significant transformation. To understand these changes, this study analyzes the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of infections in children hospitalized during the first quarters of years 2021-2024. The number of hospitalizations was four times greater in 2024 compared to 2021. The average patient age decreased from 4.6 years in 2021 to 2.3 years in 2024 due to the increase in proportion of infants. The most prevalent symptom changed from fever in 2021 to cough in subsequent years. Bacterial pathogens were dominant in 2021, and viral pathogens were more common in the other three years. SARS-CoV-2 and rotavirus were the most common viruses in 2021 and 2022 but were overtaken by influenza and respiratory syncytial virus in 2023 and 2024. The findings of the study highlight changes in patient characteristics caused by the easing of restrictions and subsequent resurgence of viral infections. Continued surveillance of infection trends is crucial for adapting clinical practices to the evolving challenges posed by infectious diseases in the post-pandemic world.