PICFLU2: Discovering the immunobiology of influenza critical illness in young people

Influenza virus infection causes severe disease in many children every year and in some adolescents and young adults. In this research study we want to learn more about the influenza virus, including how the immune systems of children and young adults works to prevent severe influenza infection and to help them recover from it.

Enrolled children will have data collected from their medical record and be interviewed. Respiratory swabs will test for viruses and blood will be collected to assess immune function when your child infected with the influenza virus. A follow-up interview will occur at 30 and 60 days after discharge to see how your child is doing. A blood sample via a skin patch will also be requested at 30 days to see how the immune response and antibodies to the virus have changed.

A $25 gift card will be offered for each post-discharge interview completed and a $50 gift card will be given if a blood sample via the skin patch is received.

Eligibility:

1. Admission to PICU at any point during illness due to severity (not due to bed availability);
2. ≤ 21 years old on admission;
3. Influenza associated lower respiratory tract infection:
   1. Positive influenza test and
   2. > 1 sign of acute respiratory illness: cough, shortness of breath, tachypnea or retractions, invasive or non-invasive mechanical ventilation, need for oxygen to maintain saturations >92%, pulmonary infiltrate or hyperinflation on chest imaging;
4. At least 1 parent or legal guardian able and willing to provide permission

Exclusion:

Children already enrolled previously, not infected by influenza, some pre-existing conditions that predispose to getting severe influenza