ABSTRACT This study investigates the effects of non‐pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) on the viral spectrum and seasonal dynamics of acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) in children, with a particular focus on post‐NPI data. The analysis compares viral detection rates and seasonal patterns post‐NPI with those observed during the pre‐NPI and NPI periods, as previously published. We performed a retrospective analysis of 93,852 pediatric cases of ARTIs from 2018 to 2024 at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University. Virus detection rates for influenza A (IAV), influenza B (IBV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and adenovirus (ADV) were examined across different time periods, age groups, genders, and seasons. Post‐NPI, viral detection rates rebounded (32.76%) to pre‐pandemic levels, with RSV showing a sustained increase. Detection rates for IAV, IBV, and ADV also rose, but not to the same extent as pre‐pandemic levels. Seasonal variations shifted, with notable rises in autumn and spring post‐NPI. Gender and age‐related patterns remained consistent, but age‐specific susceptibility showed minimal changes compared to pre‐NPI and during NPI periods. NPIs had a significant impact on the prevalence and seasonal distribution of common respiratory viruses in children. However, after the easing of restrictions, viral activity rebounded, particularly for RSV, but the patterns observed were distinct from those before the pandemic and during the NPI period. These findings underscore the lasting effects of NPIs and highlight the need for adaptive infection control strategies.
Zheng et al. (Wed,) studied this question.