What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying how viruses are distributed in the upper airway of adults living in Hong Kong and how this relates to influenza seasons, symptoms, and exposure settings. This metagenomic study aims to better understand respiratory virus patterns following the emergence of COVID-19 by analyzing samples collected during different influenza seasons. A total of 500 adults will participate by providing information and samples for detailed virus identification. Participants will be asked to complete a bilingual questionnaire covering their demographics, history of SARS-CoV-1 infection and vaccination, recent exposure settings, and any current influenza-like illnesses. They will also self-collect nasal and throat swabs within a three-month period starting at the beginning of an influenza season when experiencing symptoms or at the season's end if no illness occurs. The samples and questionnaires must be returned within 48 hours after collection, and participants will receive a voucher as compensation. The collected swabs will undergo RNA extraction and metagenomic analysis to identify viruses present. Data will be organized into a research database and analyzed using descriptive statistics to observe changes in virus abundance and distribution across seasons. The study will help assess respiratory infection transmission risks and detect emerging viral infections, potentially guiding public health decisions. The total study duration involves sampling and questionnaire completion during the influenza season and virus identification over four years.

Respiratory Virus Metagenomics After COVID-19