Viral Dynamics and Transmission of Influenza, RSV and SARS-CoV-2 in Children

Launched by THE HOSPITAL FOR SICK CHILDREN · Oct 10, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how viruses like influenza, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), and SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) spread among children. These viral infections are common and can lead to missed school days for kids and work disruptions for parents, and in some cases, they can cause serious illness. The researchers want to gather more information about how long children are contagious and how these viruses are passed from one child to another, especially when there are outbreaks.

To participate in the study, children must be under 18 years old and have tested positive for one of these viruses using a specific test (called a PCR test). They should also have some symptoms like a fever, cough, or sore throat within five days of getting sick. Additionally, family members living in the same house or classmates may also be invited to participate if they have been in close contact with the sick child. Participants will undergo some tests and monitoring to help researchers understand the dynamics of these infections better. This information is important for making decisions during times when these viruses are spreading widely in the community.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• Viral dynamics (primary outcome):
• • The child must be less than 18 years of age
• • Have a positive PCR sample for influenza, RSV or SARS-CoV-2,
• • Have any one of the symptoms listed to meet testing eligibility: fever, cough, shortness of breath, decreased or loss of taste or smell, muscle aches/joint pains (unusual, long lasting, not related to injury), extreme tiredness (unusual fatigue not otherwise explained), sore throat, runny or stuffy/congested nose, headache (new, unusual, long-lasting), nausea/vomiting and/or diarrhea, and
• • Be within 5 days of symptom onset
• Household testing inclusion criteria (secondary outcome):
• • -Any individual in the same household (i.e. household contacts, defined as residing at the same address) as the individual testing positive by PCR for influenza, RSV or SARS-CoV-2
• Classroom testing inclusion criteria (secondary outcome):
• • -Any individual in the same classroom (i.e. classroom contacts) as the individual testing positive by PCR for influenza, RSV or SARS-CoV-2 (i.e. case identified through the THS program)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• Viral dynamics (primary outcome):
• • -Participants will be ineligible if they are more than 5 days from symptom onset