Respiratory viruses in children admitted to hospital in Edinburgh 1972-1985.

The temporal incidence of respiratory viruses identified in children admitted to an Edinburgh hospital over a period of 14 years, 1972-1985, is described, Respiratory syncytial (RS) virus was identified most often, usually (but not in 1979 and 1985) with single peaks of activity in the winter months. Influenza virus infections were seen in the winter and spring but we failed to find evidence of interference between RS and influenza virus. Of the viruses studied, the parainfluenza viruses were the least predictable in their epidemiological behaviour. The results of this study are compared with those of others and the role of certain aspects of the weather is considered.