The Burden of HMPV- and Influenza-Associated Hospitalizations in Adults in New Zealand Before and After the COVID-19 Pandemic, 2012–2023

Category	Detail
Condition	Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) and influenza infections causing acute respiratory infections (ARI) in adults
Key Mechanisms	Respiratory viral infections leading to hospitalization, with higher rates in older adults and those with chronic conditions
Target Population	Adults aged 20 years and older, especially those ≥80 years, Māori or Pacific ethnicity, and low socioeconomic status
Care Setting	Hospital-based surveillance in Auckland, New Zealand

Influenza-associated ARI hospitalizations are more frequent than HMPV-associated hospitalizations in adults.
HMPV hospitalization rates are significantly higher in older adults due to underlying chronic conditions.
Influenza hospitalization rates increased significantly post-COVID-19 pandemic, while HMPV rates remained stable.

Use active surveillance and respiratory sampling to identify HMPV and influenza in hospitalized adults with ARI.
Include both SARI and non-SARI cases to capture full disease burden.

Consider antiviral interventions and vaccination strategies, especially for older adults and those with chronic conditions.
Target high-risk groups such as Māori, Pacific peoples, and those in low socioeconomic areas.

Monitor temporal trends of HMPV and influenza hospitalizations pre- and post-COVID-19 pandemic.
Track demographic disparities in hospitalization rates to inform prevention efforts.

Older adults and individuals with chronic medical conditions are at higher risk for severe disease and hospitalization.
Ethnic and socioeconomic disparities influence hospitalization rates.

Hospitalized adults aged 20 years and older with acute respiratory infections in Auckland, New Zealand.

Higher hospitalization rates in older adults with chronic conditions highlight the need for vaccine and antiviral interventions targeting this group.

Implement comprehensive surveillance including both SARI and non-SARI cases to accurately assess disease burden.
Prioritize vaccination and antiviral treatment for older adults and high-risk ethnic groups.
Use epidemiological data to guide resource allocation and prevention strategies post-pandemic.

Clinical Scorecard: Assessing the Impact of HMPV and Influenza-Related Hospitalizations in Adults in New Zealand Pre- and Post-COVID-19 Pandemic, 2012–2023