Respiratory viral infections are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality globally. Many respiratory viruses, such as influenza viruses and coronaviruses, are RNA viruses that are especially prone to mutations and can annual epidemics in addition to occasional pandemics. However, the lack of timely and affordable diagnostics means that the epidemiology and impact of respiratory viral infections in different populations remain under-characterised. The constant evolution of respiratory viruses also poses ongoing challenges for surveillance systems.
In this talk, I will discuss the use of clinical epidemiology, molecular virology, and immunology to understand the contribution and epidemiology of respiratory viral infections, investigate outbreaks, and evaluate the impact of preventative strategies, such as vaccination, in different settings. Further, I will demonstrate how knowledge derived from these integrative approaches is used to design and implement better diagnostic, management, preventative, and surveillance strategies for respiratory viral infections and emerging pathogens.