OUTcomes POST infection: The OUTPOST study

If you’ve had cold or “flu” symptoms in the last 7 days you can:

    • Get free Rapid Antigen Tests (for COVID, RSV & Flu)
    • Be part of a leading 12-week research study
    • Receive $180 worth of vouchers when you complete the study

This project has primary human research ethics approval from The University of Melbourne (Project ID 36808)

Read more about the OUTPOST study below

What is the OUTPOST study?

OUTPOST is a study to understand health outcomes after respiratory infection, including recovery, persistent symptoms and functional impairment.

The study will recruit people with acute respiratory symptoms from metropolitan Melbourne and Sydney via social media.

Study participants will be tested for SARS-CoV-2, Influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

Who can participate?

Adults aged 18+ with the onset of respiratory symptoms in the last 7 days can sign up to participate.

As part of the initial screening, two Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) will be sent to you to take a test at home. The RATs will come with step-by-step instructions. If your test is positive (for SARS-CoV-2, Influenza or RSV), you will upload a photo of the test via a provided link. You will return your positive Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) via a courier that we will arrange for you.

If you test positive, we will then ask you a few questions to make sure you are eligible for the study.

We will exclude anyone with past or current prolonged post-viral symptoms.

If you are eligible and happy to take part in this study, you will be asked to sign the e-consent form.

If I sign up, what do I have to do?

You will be sent a set of baseline questionnaires to fill in. These provide information about your background and your current symptoms. The baseline questionnaires will take about 20–30 minutes to complete.

You will be sent a link to complete follow-up questionnaires at 6 and 12 weeks after you join the study. This will include similar questions about your symptoms as the baseline questionnaires.

At each of the three study timepoints (baseline, 6 weeks and 12 weeks), you will:

  • Complete the online symptom questionnaires – two sets at baseline (referring to before and after infection) and one set at 6 and 12 weeks
  • Get a blood sample taken at your nearest participating pathology lab
  • Complete a 25 minute online cognitive test, with breaks allowed
  • Check your blood pressure lying down and standing up (the blood pressure monitor will be supplied by us)
  • Receive a $60 voucher

During the whole 12 weeks of the study, you will:

  • Wear a watch (supplied by us) to monitor your biometrics (heart rate, blood oxygen level and respiratory rate, sleep-wake patterns, and step counts)

If you still have symptoms at 12 weeks, you will be invited to complete a telehealth interview with a skilled researcher to better understand your ongoing health issues. If needed, we will also facilitate an appointment with the GP of your choice for a standard clinical visit and potentially some tests.

I am interested, how can I get involved?

Please [click here] to start the eligibility survey.

If you are eligible for the study, you will be sent further details including study details and a consent form.

You can access the Participant Information and Consent Form here. This explains the study and what your involvement would require in detail. Please read the information in the Participant Information and Consent Form to help you decide whether you would like to participate in the study.

If you have any questions about the study, please contact the OUTPOST study team:

Other relevant resources:

https://www.health.gov.au/diseases/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv-infection

https://www.health.gov.au/topics/covid-19/about?language=en

https://www.health.gov.au/diseases/influenza-flu?language=en

Support resources for participants

APPRISE respectfully acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians of the land and seas as the First Peoples of Australia