Objective: To elucidate the impact of lack of Palivizumab administration during off-season RSV periods on the RSV-related hospitalization among 29-34 weeks of gestational age (wGA) preterm infants. We utilized the summer of 2021 off-season RSV surge during the COVID19 pandemic. Methods: This multi-center retrospective observational study was conducted in 11 medical centers across Israel. We included infants > 1 year-old hospitalized with RSV infection between November 2017-August 2021. Patients were categorized into an in-season admissions group (November-March) and off-season admissions group (April-October). The primary outcome was the proportion of RSV hospitalizations among 29-34wGA infants in relation to total RSV admissions during the same season. Secondary outcomes included clinical severity parameters. Results A total of 3,296 infants were admitted during the RSV season, and 1,044 during the off-season. The proportion of 29-34wGA preemies was significantly higher in the off-season group compared to the in-season group (7% vs 2.1%, p<0.001). In the off-season group, we observed a significantly higher proportion of Jewish individuals (80.1% vs. 59.2%, p=0.001) and higher socioeconomic status (55.1% vs. 45.1%, p<0.001) compared to the in-season group. In the multivariable logistic-regression model, off-season hospitalization odds for 29-34 wGA preemies were significantly higher (2.6-fold, 95% CI:1.8-3.9, p<0.001) compared to in-season, irrespective of demographic covariates. Similar clinical severity parameters was observed between the groups. Conclusions Our results revealed a significantly higher proportion of infants born at 29-34 wGA among those hospitalized during off-season periods compared to in-season periods. These findings highlight the importance of including 29-34 wGA infants into future RSV immunoprophylaxis recommendations.

Background: Research indicates a relationship between nutrition, physiological characteristics, and mental health. It was already reported that Israeli-Arab adolescents consume more fast food, sweets, and candies than Jews. Higher energy drink consumption by Israeli-Arab adolescents emerged. Though, data on the topic still needs to be updated. The current study examined possible associations between energy drink consumption, anxiety, and well-being in Israeli-Arab adolescents. We also investigated these associations concerning fast food consumption, physical activity, and sleep hours. Methods: One hundred and fourteen adolescents (59 females) aged 12–18 from several cities & villages in northern Israel were recruited to study. A cross-sectional exploratory study assessed adolescents’ energy drink consumption, nutritional and lifestyle habits, well-being, and anxiety using self-reported questionnaires. Anthropometric measurements - weight, height, and waist circumference were also assessed. Results: Gender and energy drink consumption were associated with psychological status. Energy drink consumers reported a lower well-being index and a higher anxiety index than non-consumers. Energy drink consumers ate significantly more fast food per week than non-consumers. In addition, sleep hours were correlated with anxiety levels. These results differed between genders. Conclusions: Our study shows complex associations between energy drink consumption and mental health indices. These associations can serve as a basis for further research into this topic.