CompletedObservational

Surveillance towards preventing RSV respiratory infection in paediatrics

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common winter virus that can cause chest infections and bronchiolitis in young children. While many recover with mild symptoms, some babies become seriously ill and require hospital or intensive care treatment. This observational study tracks RSV infections in children under three years of age who visit participating GP practices and hospitals in Merseyside, Chester, and Bristol. Taking part does not involve any experimental drugs. Instead, doctors take a quick swab from the child's nose to test for RSV and other common viruses. Researchers also review medical notes and ask parents to complete a short survey about the illness, missed work, and healthcare visits. The information gathered will help doctors understand the true burden of RSV on families and the NHS, supporting the development of better prevention and vaccination plans for the future.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine

Enrolment target

1,800

Start

12 Dec 2021

Estimated completion

31 Mar 2023

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

What is this study about?

Respiratory Syncytial Virus, known as RSV, is a widespread virus that infects most children before their second birthday. In many cases, it looks like a typical winter cold with a runny nose and cough. However, in babies and toddlers, it can travel down into the lungs and cause bronchiolitis, making breathing difficult. Each winter in England, RSV leads to thousands of hospital admissions and places significant pressure on children's wards and intensive care units.

Doctors and researchers from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine are running this study to get a clearer picture of how many young children in the community and in hospitals have a confirmed RSV infection. At present, many chest infections are treated without lab tests, meaning healthcare services do not have an exact count of how much illness is caused by RSV compared to other winter bugs like flu.

In addition to tracking the virus, the study looks at how an RSV infection affects daily life. When a child becomes ill, parents often need time off work, face travel expenses to regional hospitals, and deal with substantial emotional strain. By measuring these hidden impacts, the study aims to show NHS decision-makers the true cost of RSV. This evidence will play a crucial role in planning future vaccination strategies to protect young children.

Key takeaways

This is an observational UK study tracking RSV chest infections in children under three years old.
Participation involves a quick nasal swab and a single follow-up survey for parents a few weeks later.
No experimental drugs, vaccines, or changes to routine NHS treatments are involved.
The study takes place at selected GP clinics and hospitals across Merseyside, Chester, and Bristol.
Findings will help healthcare leaders design better prevention and vaccination plans for babies.

Who may be eligible?

This study is open to babies and young children under three years of age who are being seen by a doctor for symptoms of a chest or breathing infection (known medically as a lower respiratory tract infection). This includes common symptoms like a persistent cough, wheezing, or difficulty breathing.

Children must be visiting a participating GP surgery or hospital in Merseyside, Chester, or Bristol. Because the study focuses on new illnesses, children who have already been enrolled in this study within the past 30 days cannot take part again right away.

No prior diagnosis is needed to be considered. Both boys and girls from birth up to their third birthday can join if they attend a participating clinic with breathing symptoms.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

My child is under 3 years old.
My child currently has signs of a chest infection (such as a bad cough, wheezing, or fast breathing).
We are visiting a participating GP practice or hospital in Merseyside, Chester, or Bristol.
My child has not taken part in this specific study within the last 30 days.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part in this study is straightforward and fits around your child's usual NHS appointment. First, a healthcare worker will collect a sample using a soft swab gently placed inside your child's nose. If the clinical team already took a swab for your child's standard hospital care, researchers will simply use the leftover sample from the laboratory so your child does not need an extra swab. There are no experimental medicines, injections, or trial tablets involved. Researchers will then look at your child's health records to record details about their illness. Between two to six weeks later, you will be invited to complete a short questionnaire. This asks about your child's recovery, any follow-up visits, and any time off work or travel costs your family experienced. Your child's active involvement ends after this questionnaire is complete.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part carries very low risk. Having a nose swab can cause brief discomfort or a tickly feeling, and there is a very small chance of a minor nosebleed, but it causes no lasting harm. Your child will not receive experimental medicine, so there is no direct cure-related benefit to taking part. However, if your child is seen at a GP clinic, joining may provide a face-to-face check-up, and you will be helping researchers gather vital evidence to develop future vaccines for other babies. Taking part is entirely voluntary, and you can withdraw your child at any time without giving a reason and without affecting their normal NHS care.

Locations (9)

Bristol Royal Hospital for Children
Approximate
Bristol, England
Alder Hey Children’s Hospital
Approximate
Liverpool, England
North West Coast Sites Clinical Research Network
City only
Liverpool, England
Central Liverpool Primary Care Network
City only
Liverpool, England
Marine Lake/Estuary Medical Practice
City only
West Kirby, England
St Georges Medical Centre
Unverified
New Brighton, England
Fulwood Green Medical Centre
Unverified
Liverpool, England
Walk-in Centre Smithdown Road
Unverified
Liverpool, England
Arrowe Park Hospital (site)
Unverified
Wirral, England

Common questions

Is this study testing a new vaccine or drug on my child?

No. This is an observational study, which means researchers are only collecting information and swab samples. Your child will receive standard NHS treatment and no experimental medicines.

Will having a nose swab hurt my child?

The swab is very quick and might feel tickly or slightly uncomfortable for a few seconds, but it does not cause lasting pain. If the hospital has already taken a swab for routine care, researchers will try to use the leftover sample instead.

Why are parents asked about family finances?

Caring for a sick child can mean missed shifts at work, extra travel, or childcare costs. Researchers want to understand the full financial strain RSV puts on families alongside the cost to hospital services.

How long will our family be involved?

Your involvement is short. The swab is taken during your initial visit, and a researcher will contact you around two to six weeks later to complete one brief follow-up survey.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes. You are free to withdraw your consent at any point. Deciding to leave will not affect your child's medical treatment or relationship with their healthcare team.

How to find out more

Lauren McLellan

stoprsv@lstmed.ac.uk +44 (0)151 832 1719 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.