Post-pandemic seasonal dynamics of hospitalised COPD exacerbations and aetiologies in the COPD population

The impact of seasonality on the morbidity due to acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) is well recognised, with winter months typically associated with increased respiratory infections and healthcare utilisation among COPD population [1]. The first wave of the COVID pandemic saw at least 50% decline in AECOPD admissions associated with fewer viral triggers [2]. However, after relaxation of lockdown measures, it is unknown if there has been a longer-term shift in the seasonal pattern of AECOPD hospitalisations and their specific aetiologies considering the heterogeneity behind exacerbations. This information may help healthcare providers prepare targeted preventative measures and resource allocation. Footnotes This manuscript has recently been accepted for publication in the European Respiratory Journal . It is published here in its accepted form prior to copyediting and typesetting by our production team. After these production processes are complete and the authors have approved the resulting proofs, the article will move to the latest issue of the ERJ online. Please open or download the PDF to view this article. Conflict of interest: H. Aung, A. Aung, H. J C McAuley, O. Elneima, C. Flynn, T. Thornton, H. Evans have no potential conflicts of interest to disclose. A. Wright has received grant income (paid to institution) from Sanofi. C.E. Brightling has received grants and consultancy fees from 4D Pharma, AstraZeneca, Chiesi, Genentech, GlaxoSmithKline, Mologic, Novartis, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Roche and Sanofi. N. Greening has received honoraria for lectures, conference travel and advisory boards from AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Chiesi, GlaxoSmithKleine and Pulmonx, and received grants and consultation fees (paid to institution) from Genentech, Roche and GlaxoSmithKline.