Young children with RS virus more likely to see general practitioner
A child coughing, suffering from rhinitis and shortness of breath? One third of children younger than 5 years who visit their GP with acute respiratory symptoms during the winter season test positive for the RS virus. This is according to the RSV ComNet study by Sarah Hak and team from UMC Utrecht, Nivel and RIVM, in collaboration with international partners, published in the Lancet Respiratory Medicine.
The study mapped the burden of disease of young children with RS virus infection in GPs. This burden of disease included disease progression, healthcare use and social impact, e.g. work absenteeism of parents or carers.
3414 children participated in the study, which took place in five European countries: Netherlands, Belgium, England, Spain and Italy. Of the participants, 331 children and their parents were from the Netherlands. Children with such an RS virus infection are sick for an average of 12 days and visit the GP an average of 2.4 times for this. Interestingly, the percentage of hospital admissions due to RS virus infections differs greatly between countries: in the Netherlands, 4% of children were admitted after the GP visit, while in Belgium it was as high as 44%.
Care utilisation for RS virus infections in young children differs between countries
Although the disease course of RS virus infection was similar between children, there were significant differences in healthcare utilisation. Children in the Netherlands visited the GP an average of 1.4 times, while in Spain it was 3.0 times. In addition, there were marked differences in medication prescribed by the GP because of the RS virus infection. In the Netherlands, 19% of children were prescribed antibiotics but not corticosteroids. In Italy, 32% of children were prescribed antibiotics. In both Italy and Spain, relatively high numbers of inhaled corticosteroids (25% and 9%, respectively) and oral corticosteroids (18% and 14%) were prescribed.
Infants were hospitalised more often (20.3%) than children aged between 1 and 5 years (6.7%). However, the duration of illness was similar. Babies with RS virus infections visited GPs an average of 2.7 times, slightly more often than children aged 1-5 years (2.1 times). Interestingly, GPs in Europe were more likely to prescribe medication to children aged 1-5 years (62%) than to babies (50%).
Parental absenteeism due to caring for their child
The survey shows that the impact of an RS virus infection is not limited to the sick child. Almost half of the parents (46%) reported taking at least one day off work to care for their child.
Prevention
From autumn 2025, a preventive antibody ‘nirsevimab’ will be added to the National Vaccination Programme in the Netherlands. This will allow babies to be protected against the RS virus during their first winter season. No preventive agent or vaccination is available for children aged 1-5 years. The RSV ComNet study is the first international study on the disease burden of RS virus infections in general practice. The study was funded by Sanofi and AstraZeneca.
Read de publication.
Living Lab in the Spotlight: Utrecht Science Park
Utrecht Science Park is home to several living labs focused on energy and circularity. These include Lumifield, which explores the generation and storage of solar energy, and the biogas digester, which uses organic waste as an energy source. On their own, these are already promising initiatives. Connected, they could become something much bigger: a functioning, learning model for a circular campus.
From student idea during challenge to ReGreen Hut at Dutch Design Week
On hot summer days, temperatures can rise significantly at Utrecht Science Park, while students are looking for places to study, relax and find some shade outdoors. At the same time, planting trees is not always straightforward: underground, the campus is crisscrossed by a dense network of cables and utility lines. So how can we create shade, greenery and places to relax without major changes to the ground?
Utrecht Science Week kicks off: social and economic impact of Utrecht Science Park in the spotlight
The sixth edition of Utrecht Science Week takes place from Friday, 25 September to Sunday, 4 October. During this time, Utrecht Science Park opens its doors to the general public, showcasing how research, innovation, and collaboration lead to tangible societal and economic impact. At the same time, the week underscores the importance of sustained investment in knowledge and innovation.
Looking back at Utrecht Science Week: research, education, and entrepreneurship in the spotlight
Utrecht Science Week 2026 has come to a close. For over a week, visitors enjoyed workshops, lectures, group discussions, and tours focused on science and innovation at Utrecht Science Park. With more than thirty program activities across over 25 locations, there were ample opportunities to experience science up close. We look back on a fantastic week that once again highlighted the essential role of collaboration, and the combination of research, education, and entrepreneurship, in addressing the societal challenges of our time.