Aerosol Disease clinical trials

Emission Patterns of Respiratory Syncytial Virus

The purpose of this observational study is to describe the environmental aerosolization patterns burden of RSV in the air and on surfaces in surrounding adult patients in a real-life setting. Specific objectives are to determine the particle size distribution and the quantity of airborne pathogens dispersed by symptomatic participants, to establish a spatial model of airborne emission and subsequent surface burden of RSV emission and dispersal in clinical settings (emergency department and inpatient units; 1 foot vs. 3-6 feet vs. 8-10 feet), and to obtain information regarding the potential association of illness severity and risk factors to the scale of airborne dispersal (e.g., super spreaders). This study will be used to collect data of the emission patterns of RSV. Subsequent investigations will help guide policymakers in the assessment of the airborne exposure risk to RSV and the implementation of appropriate infection prevent measures such as respirators and face masks. The investigators hypothesize that the airborne emission patterns of Respiratory Syncytial Virus varies between individual patients. The investigators are proposing to assess the particle size and spatial distribution of airborne RSV emitted by affected patients within a routine care environment: 1. Characterize individuals who develop respiratory illnesses caused by RSV in terms of demographics, co-morbid conditions, prior vaccinations (e.g., influenza vaccine, DTAP), use of antivirals, and severity of illness (fever, respiratory symptoms, malaise). 2. Determine the particle size distribution patterns and quantities of the pathogen in two settings, an emergency department and an inpatient unit (ICU and non-ICU settings). 3. Establish a spatial model (1 foot vs. 3-6 feet vs. 8-10 feet) of airborne pathogen dispersal and subsequent surface burden in two settings, an emergency department and an inpatient unit (ICU and non-ICU settings). 4. Determine the correlation between the human aerosolization patterns and the severity of illness (fever, respiratory symptoms, malaise) in individual participants (super spreader?).