Using population-based data to understand respiratory infection outcomes among pediatric populations residing in British Columbia in the post global COVID-19 emergency era

Background: COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, continues to affect the health of children even after the global emergency has ended. While most children recover quickly, between 1% - 30% experience symptoms that last for weeks or months. Children may also be more at risk for other infections because their immune systems are still developing, vaccination rates are lower than in adults, and there are growing signs that COVID-19 exposure during pregnancy or in newborns can be linked to later health or developmental challenges. Understanding how exposure to COVID-19 have shaped respiratory illnesses in children is essential for protecting their long-term health. Purpose: This study will look at whether respiratory infections in children have become more common or more severe since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and whether bacterial co-infections may play a role. We will use population-based data from across British Columbia to build a large study group of children under 18 years old. By comparing infection patterns before, during, and after the pandemic, and by using advanced statistical tools, we will study how trends have changed and identify factors linked to serious illness. A smaller part of the study will explore how bacterial and viral infections combine to affect illness severity. Results: As of 2022, British Columbia's COVID-19 dataset includes more than 2.25 million people tested for COVID-19 and 4.65 million who have received at least one vaccine dose. By linking this information with hospitalization, vaccination, and health system data, we will create one of the most complete near real-time pediatric datasets in the province. Summary: This research will help us understand how children's respiratory illnesses have changed in the post-COVID era and will guide public health planning to better protect children in the years ahead.