Changes in seasonal respiratory viral infections among pediatric population around the COVID-19 pandemic; 2019-2023.

PURPOSE: This study aims to describe the prevalence and the fluctuations of respiratory viral infections among the pediatric population in a tertiary care center during 2019-2023, parallel with the COVID-19 pandemic, and the specific preventative measures applied in the region during this time. METHODS: In this observational study, we extracted all respiratory virus PCR tests collected from pediatric patients (< 15 years old) between January 2019 and March 2023. Data on the positivity rate and prevalence of 18 respiratory viruses were presented over the study period. RESULTS: The lowest rate for the studied respiratory viruses was observed in 2020/2021 (during the COVID-19 pandemic), followed by a gradual increase in positive cases in the 2021/2022 season. Timing (seasonality) was altered during 2022/2023 with an early circulation of respiratory viruses in May-June followed by an early start of the usual respiratory viruses' season in September, leading to prolonged respiratory virus activity. Most respiratory viruses were circulating at unprecedented levels during the 2022/2023 season, with rhinovirus/enterovirus being the most commonly detected virus in all seasons. Other viruses that had atypical activity after the COVID-19 pandemic were influenza A(H3) virus, adenovirus, and parainfluenza 3 virus. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates the extended influence of the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated community restriction measures on the timing and distribution of other respiratory viruses. Continuous monitoring of changes in the circulation of respiratory viruses is crucial for the success of related public health measures such as vaccination distributions and epidemic preparedness.

Knowledge, readiness, and myths about menstruation among students at the Princess Noura University.

BACKGROUND: Menstruation is a natural part of the female reproductive cycle in which periodic discharge of blood from the uterus exits through the vagina, it is the spontaneous onset of puberty. AIM: The study is to assess the level of knowledge, readiness, and myths about menstruation among young Saudi girls in the Princess Noura University, Riyadh. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study of a convenient sample of 500 students from different colleges at the Princess Nora Bint Abdul Rahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia was conducted between January 2016 and March 2016. A validated questionnaire assessing knowledge, readiness, and attitude of participants was used. Questions assessing beliefs and myths about menstruation were included. RESULTS: About 500 students participated in the study, their average age was 21.1 ± 7.8 years and 25.8% of them were from the health colleges. The main source of information about menstruation was the mother in about 60%, whereas only 4% considered doctors and nurses as a source of information. The study shows that the knowledge, attitude, and readiness of participants about menstruation were really poor. The majority (73.4%) of the participants were not able to correctly recognize why girls get their period. Similarly, the percentage of students having a negative attitude about menstruation is 78.4% (370), and <23% were defined to be ready before their first menses. CONCLUSION: The results of the study depict that the respondents lack proper knowledge of information relevant to menstruation. This included the importance of increasing awareness and giving accurate information using scientific sources, such as schools, colleges, or health team members.