Monitoring Respiratory Virus Infections in Primary Care Visits in France During Fall and Winter Seasons

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are monitoring the presence and impact of various respiratory viruses such as influenza, SARS-CoV-2 COVID-19, RSV, rhinovirus, and metapneumovirus in mainland France during the fall and winter seasons. The study evaluates how these viruses circulate in the community, especially in primary care settings, to help guide public health responses. Surveillance is conducted through networks involving general practitioners, pediatricians, and public health institutions to track acute respiratory infections ARIs. Physicians participating in the Sentinelles surveillance program collect specimens from patients with ARIs during their consultations. Depending on scientific and epidemiological factors, either a nasopharyngeal swab or saliva sample is taken under the physicians supervision, with the possibility for patients to self-collect saliva at home if agreed. These samples are used to identify the viruses causing infections in general practice and pediatrics. Participants provide oral consent and undergo sample collection during their clinic visit. Researchers measure the proportion of ARI cases testing positive for the targeted viruses and track weekly infection rates and vaccination status. The study helps describe confirmed cases and estimate the impact of each virus on healthcare. Monitoring continues throughout the typical respiratory virus season from late September to mid-April each year, with ongoing data collection until 2031.

Virological Surveillance of Acute Respiratory Infection in Primary Health Care in Metropolitan France