Viral respiratory tract infections are very common in children. They contribute to missedtime in school, work disruption for caregivers and can also cause severe illnessrequiring hospitalization and rarely death. In the 2022-2023, influenza, RSV andSARS-CoV-2 viruses infected a large number of children which strained the pediatrichealthcare system in many jurisdictions. Unfortunately, there continues to be limiteddata on duration of infectiousness and transmission risk of these viruses to informpublic health decisions during times when there is significant circulation of theseviruses.
Not Provided
Diagnostic Test: Daily Influenza, RSV or SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing for 10 days
Each participant will undergo daily PCR testing for Influenza, RSV or SARS-CoV-2 to
assess viral dynamics
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
The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids)
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Investigator: Michelle Science
Contact: 416-813-7654 X401157
michelle.science@sickkids.ca
Michelle Science
416-813-7654
michelle.science@sickkids.ca
Aaron Campigotto
416-813-8716
Michelle Science, Principal Investigator
The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids)