FAQ

Can my household participate?

• Your household must have at least 3 members who receive their regular healthcare from the University of Michigan Health System

• At least 1 household member must be less than 18 years old

• Influenza and/or COVID-19 vaccination is NOT required for participation

Is there compensation?

Participating households will receive $50 for enrolling in the study, plus $15 for sample collection during eligible illness, and $20 per blood draw. 

Is vaccination required to participate?

No. Choosing to get an influenza or COVID-19 vaccination is NOT a requirement for participation. In addition, the study will NOT be vaccinating participants. We will, however, ask you to share information about whether or not you chose to get an influenza or COVID-19 vaccination for yourself and the children in your household.

When should I collect an illness sample?

Adults and children 3 years of age and older should collect a nasal swab when ill with at least two of the following signs or symptoms:

• Fever or feverishness

• Cough

• Nasal congestion

• Chills

• Headache

• Body aches

• Sore throat

Children younger than 3 years should have a nasal swab collected when ill with at least two of the following signs or symptoms:

• Fever or feverishness

• Cough

• Runny nose or nasal congestion

• Fussiness or irritability

• Trouble breathing

• Decreased appetite

• Fatigue

If anyone in your household is sick with two or more of these symptoms, please contact the HIVE Study Staff to provide additional illness information. If the illness meets the study eligibility criteria (listed above), please self-collect a nasal swab as soon as possible to the first day of two or more symptoms. The sample should be collected within 7 days of illness onset.

Will my household receive our test results?

No – results of research testing, including respiratory virus testing, will not be returned to your household. If you are concerned about an illness you may have, please contact your healthcare provider.

Where will the study visits take place?

Study activities may be conducted remotely, depending on current public health recommendations. If in-person study activities are scheduled, enrollment visits and blood draws will take place in room G841 SPH I on the ground floor of the Henry F Vaughan School of Public Health I building located at 1415 Washington Heights, near Nichols Arboretum.

Is parking available?

Free designated parking will be located in the parking lot across the street from Mary Markley Residence Hall (on Washington Heights).