How major respiratory viruses affect independence in older adults

Assessment of Functional Impact of Acute Respiratory Viral Infections in Older Adults - An International Multi-center Study

Observational University Hospital, Grenoble · NCT07388173

This study will see if hospitalization for common respiratory viruses (like flu, COVID-19, RSV, or hMPV) leads to loss of independence in people aged 60 and older.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment1600 (estimated)
Ages60 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Grenoble Academic / other
Locations24 sites (Rochester, New York and 23 other locations)
Trial IDNCT07388173 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is an international observational study enrolling people aged 60 and older who are hospitalized with PCR-confirmed influenza, SARS-CoV-2, respiratory syncytial virus, or human metapneumovirus. Participants' baseline function and clinical course during hospitalization will be recorded, and functional outcomes will be followed by phone at about 3 and 6 months after discharge. The study will compare loss of autonomy, changes in activities of daily living, and recovery trajectories across different viral causes and patient subgroups. Findings are meant to inform targeted prevention and vaccination strategies for older adults.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal participants are people aged 60 or older who are hospitalized at a participating center with a PCR-confirmed infection by influenza, SARS-CoV-2, RSV, or hMPV and who can complete follow-up calls.

Not a fit: People with severe baseline disability, terminal illness, advanced dementia, inability to complete follow-up assessments, or infections caused by pathogens other than the listed viruses are unlikely to benefit from this study's findings for their care.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the study could help target prevention and vaccination efforts to reduce hospitalizations and long-term loss of independence in older adults.

How similar studies have performed: Prior efforts such as the IMI VITAL project and the AEQUI case-control study have provided insights into infections in older adults, but data specifically quantifying post-infectious functional decline and recovery remain limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Male or female subjects aged 60 years or older
* Hospitalized in a study center (emergency department, infectious disease, internal medicine or geriatric hospital wards…) for acute respiratory infection (refer to table 1 below for definition).
* Confirmed positive PCR test for influenza, SARS-CoV-2, RSV, or human metapneumovirus (hMPV). Participants with co-infections with other viral or bacterial agents can be included.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Participants with conditions significantly impacting short-term functional status, such as severe disability (ADL score ≤2 or Clinical Frailty Scale ≥7), terminal illness, palliative care needs, or inability to comprehend and complete study questionnaires due to severe stroke sequelae, complete sensory loss, advanced dementia, or similar impairments.
* Participants that refuse or are unable to answer the 3- and 6-months follow-up phone call assessments
* Positive laboratory test for single (mono-infection) virus other than influenza, SARS-CoV-2, RSV, or human metapneumovirus (HMPV)
* Participant in exclusion period for another study using an investigational / unapproved medicinal product.
* Participant referred to in articles L1121-5 to L1121-8 of the CSP (corresponding to all protected persons : pregnant woman, parturient, breastfeeding mother, person deprived of liberty by judicial or administrative decision, persons undergoing psychiatric care under articles L.3212-1 and L.3213-1 who do not fall under article L.1121-8, persons admitted to a healthcare or social institution for purposes other than research, minors, person under legal protection or unable to express consent).
* Individuals opposed to participating in the research
* Staff members with a hierarchical relationship to the principal investigator

Where this trial is running

Rochester, New York and 23 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Respiratory Infections in Old Agefunctional dependencyrespiratory infectionelderly people
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.