Viral respiratory tract infections are very common in children. They contribute to missed time in school, work disruption for caregivers and can also cause severe illness requiring hospitalization and rarely death. In the 2022-2023, influenza, RSV and SARS-CoV-2 viruses infected a large number of children which strained the pediatric healthcare system in many jurisdictions. Unfortunately, there continues to be limited data on duration of infectiousness and transmission risk of these viruses to inform public health decisions during times when there is significant circulation of these viruses.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
500
Each participant will undergo daily PCR testing for Influenza, RSV or SARS-CoV-2 to assess viral dynamics
The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids)
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
RECRUITINGTo describe the viral dynamics of influenza, RSV and SARS-CoV-2 over time among children <18 years of age.
The correlation between symptom onset and symptom resolution and viral load for each virus will be described.
Time frame: 14 days
To assess the impact of various host factors on viral dynamics
The correlation between host factors and viral dynamics will be explored.
Time frame: 14 days
To assess the frequency of influenza, RSV, SARS-CoV-2, mycoplasma pneumoniae and bordetella pertussis transmission in households.
The number of household contacts that are tested and test positive for the same respiratory virus (influenza, RSV, SARS-CoV-2, mycoplasma pneumoniae, bordetella pertussis) will be described.
Time frame: Within 14 days of case identification
To examine the risk factors for influenza, RSV, SARS-CoV-2, mycoplasma pneumoniae and bordetella pertussis transmission in households
The correlation between household characteristics and transmission of each of the viruses will be explored.
Time frame: Within 14 days of case identification
To assess the frequency of influenza, RSV, SARS-CoV-2, mycoplasma pneumoniae and bordetella pertussis transmission in classrooms.
The number of classmates in the classroom that are tested and test positive for the same respiratory virus (influenza, RSV, SARS-CoV-2, mycoplasma pneumoniae, bordetella pertussis) will be described.
Time frame: Within 14 days of case identification
To examine the risk factors for influenza, RSV, SARS-CoV-2, mycoplasma pneumoniae and bordetella pertussis transmission in classrooms
The correlation between classroom characteristics and transmission of each virus in classrooms will be explored.
Time frame: Within 14 days of case identification
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