Study of Respiratory Virus Patterns in Hong Kong Adults After COVID-19 Using Self-Collected Swabs

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to explore how respiratory viruses are distributed in the upper airway of adults living in Hong Kong and how this relates to influenza seasons, symptoms, and exposure settings. The study focuses on adults who can communicate in English or Chinese and who provide consent to participate. The goal is to improve understanding of viral transmission and identify emerging respiratory infections following the emergence of COVID-19. Participants will be asked to complete a detailed questionnaire covering demographics, history of SARS-CoV-1 infection and vaccination, exposure settings before sample collection, and any influenza-like illnesses at the time of sampling. They will receive kits to self-collect nasal and throat swabs during a three-month period aligned with an influenza season, either when experiencing symptoms or at the seasons end if asymptomatic. Samples and questionnaires must be returned within 48 hours of collection, and participants will receive a voucher as compensation. Researchers will extract RNA from the collected samples for metagenomic analysis to identify viruses present and analyze how virus abundance changes across influenza seasons. Data will be compiled into a research database for statistical analysis. The study will assess transmission risks and help guide public health policies by identifying viruses linked to certain exposure settings. Participation involves self-collection of samples, questionnaire completion, and timely sample return over the influenza season period.

Respiratory Virus Metagenomics After COVID-19