Functional Impact of Acute Respiratory Viral Infections in Older Adults

Condition(s) studied

Study summary

The prevention of infectious diseases in older adults remains a major public health challenge, as acute respiratory infections are a leading cause of hospitalisation, mortality, and functional decline worldwide. Immunosenescence and environmental exposures increase susceptibility to infection and reduce vaccine effectiveness in this population. Respiratory viruses, including influenza, SARS-CoV-2, respiratory syncytial virus, and human metapneumovirus, account for a substantial share of this burden, much of which is vaccine-preventable. However, their impact on functional decline and recovery in older adults remains insufficiently characterized. This international study aims to assess the effect of hospitalization for major respiratory viral infections on loss of autonomy in individuals aged 60 years and older, to inform targeted prevention and vaccination strategies.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Evolution of Functional Dependency assessed by Activities of Daily Living (ADL) Score — Baseline, at hospital discharge, 3 months after discharge, and 6 months after discharge.
  Change in functional performance measured using the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) scale. The ADL score ranges from 0 to 6, where higher scores indicate better functional independence The ADL score ranges from 0 to 6, where higher scores indicate better functional independence.
• Evolution of Functional Dependency assessed by Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) Score — Baseline, Day 7, 3 months after discharge, and 6 months after discharge.
  Change in functional performance measured using the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) scale. The IADL score ranges from 0 to 8, where higher scores indicate better functional independence.

Trial sites (24)

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