Objective This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological patterns of respiratory infectious diseases in Xiamen, Fujian Province, over the year following the relaxation of China’s COVID-19 control measures. Methods We conducted a comprehensive statistical analysis of testing data for the six prevalent respiratory pathogens, utilizing throat swab antigen tests, PCR assays, and serological IgM testing. For Mycoplasma pneumoniae , diagnosis relied on serological IgM or rapid PCR testing, with PCR results prioritized when both methods were applied. Influenza A/B viruses were identified through throat swab antigen or PCR testing, again favoring PCR outcomes. Respiratory syncytial virus, rhinovirus, and adenovirus were exclusively detected via PCR. Results Influenza A virus emerged as the most prevalent pathogen (32.5%), followed by Mycoplasma pneumoniae (18.0%). Seasonal trends varied: influenza A peaked in spring, while M. pneumoniae surged in autumn and winter. Age-wise, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human rhinovirus predominate in the 0–4 age group; other respiratory viruses predominate in the 5–14 age group; though influenza A and B viruses show relatively high positivity rates in the 15–44 age group. Notably, significant gender disparities were observed across several pathogens ( p 0.05). Conclusion This study provides a detailed epidemiological snapshot of post-pandemic respiratory pathogens in Xiamen, highlighting distinct age-specific vulnerabilities and seasonal patterns. These findings offer practical guidance for developing targeted, stage-specific intervention strategies to mitigate disease burden in the post-pandemic era.
Qu et al. (Wed,) studied this question.