CRP and infection: CRP is a non-specific marker of inflammation or infection and has been found elevated inpatients with COVID-19 and other acute respiratory syndromes such as the H1N1 influenzavirus.49 Our results showedthat patients with a greater peak inflammatory response during hospital admission (peak CRP)exhibited increased tissue susceptibility (likely associated with increased inflammation) inclusters within the medulla responsible for a regular autonomic respiratory function.