Summary: Aiming to understand the prevalence of other upper respiratory tract viral infections, Stanley Ho Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases of The Chinese University of Hong Kong is now conducting a study involving the collection of samples from individuals with respiratory symptoms. If no such illnesses develop, please collect the sample in February 2024. The completed questionnaire and collected samples could be delivered to us using SF Express (fees prepaid). A HKD50 cash voucher would be offered to each household irrespective of the number of participants.
Objective
The purpose of the study is to analyze the distributive pattern of viruses in upper airway in the community in Hong Kong. Data collected from the study would contribute to the characterization of the symptomatology of respiratory infections and exposure setting in Hong Kong.
Eligibility criteria
To enroll, participants must be:
- of age 18 years or above,
- without a current history of mental illnesses,
- normally residing in Hong Kong, and
- able to communicate in Chinese or English.
Flow of study process
* The study period is between 16 Dec 2023 and 28 Feb 2024.
During the study period*, please collect a nasopharyngeal sample with the sample collection kit we provided when you develop respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, and sore throat.
Please collect a nasopharyngeal sample towards the end of the study period, i.e. February 2024, if you do not have respiratory symptoms throughout the study period*.
Please package the nasopharyngeal swab as instructed and return it together with the completed documents to the address overleaf within 7 days after sample collection. We will afford the delivery service charge.
Upon completion, a HKD50 cash voucher would be offered to each participating household irrespective of the number of participants.
The Joint Chinese University of Hong Kong-New Territories East Cluster Clinical Research Ethics Committee has approved this study (Ref. No.: 2021.554) and is authorised to access the participant records related to the study for ethics review purpose.
This study only accepts eligible participants. The decision of the principal investigator is final.
This research project is supported by the Health and Medical Research Fund of Food and Health Bureau of HKSAR Government. The contents of this website include highlights of the research only. It does not represent the position of the funder or any collaborating organization. The funder is not responsible for any claims, demands, or liabilities whatsoever arising from or in connection with the use of any information contained in this pamphlet or the participation of the sponsored project.
CEID Community Research 