NESSIE

Understanding respiratory infections through breath - Designed in Scotland, NESSIE (Non-invasive Exhaled Size-separated Infectivity Evaluation) is a research study investigating how respiratory viruses are released into the air through breathing.

Respiratory infections such as influenza, COVID-19 and RSV can spread through tiny airborne particles that are produced when we breathe, talk and cough.

However, we still do not fully understand how much virus people breathe out, how this changes during illness, or how it contributes to the spread of infection.

NESSIE has been developed to help answer these questions using a new, non-invasive method of collecting samples directly from exhaled breath.

NESSIE dark blue text with loch ness monster and particle spraying from mouth
Nessie: Non-invasive exhaled size separating infectivity evaluation

We need your help!

Do you have cold or flu symptoms?

We are recruiting participants who have symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection to participate in an exciting research study using novel air sampler to understand how respiratory viruses and bacteria spread through the air.


What does taking part involve? 

We are currently looking for adults (18 years and over) who: 

  • Have a confirmed influenza A infection
  • Are experiencing flu-like symptoms and are willing to take a lateral flow test provided by the research team
  • We are also recruiting healthy volunteers to act as negative controls

Participation is designed to be simple, safe and non-invasive.

If you are eligible, a member of the research team will explain the study and answer any questions before asking for your consent.

Depending on the study stage, you may be asked to:

  • Breathe into a specialised breath sampling device
  • Complete a short questionnaire
  • Allow researchers to collect information relevant to the study The sampling process is quick and does not affect your clinical care.

Why is this research important?

Respiratory infections remain a major cause of illness and hospital admission worldwide. Better understanding how viruses are released into the air could help improve:

  • Infection prevention in hospitals
  • Protection for patients and healthcare workers
  • Pandemic preparedness
  • Future non-invasive diagnostic technologies

By taking part, you will be contributing to research that aims to improve how respiratory infections are understood, monitored and managed.

Interested in taking part?

  • Adults aged 18+
  • Have influenza A, or flu-like symptoms
  • Visit the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh
  • Study visit takes approximately one hour
  • Refreshments and £80 AMAZON VOUCHER reimbursement
  • Healthy volunteers with no symptoms can also participate
  • (£40 Amazon voucher plus refreshments for those volunteers with no symptoms)

Get in touch

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