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New ORCHARDS-AIR Study

New ORCHARDS-AIR Study

The Oregon School District is once again partnering with the University of Wisconsin Department of
Family Medicine and Community Health (DFMCH) on a public health research project led by Jonathan
Temte (MD/PhD) and Shari Barlow. The new study, ORCHARDS-AIR (Oregon Child Absenteeism due to
Respiratory Disease Study – Air Surveillance), builds on the original ORCHARDS project (2015-2024) and
will run from January through June 2026.

About the ORCHARDS-AIR Study

This updated ORCHARDS-AIR study will continue to explore how illnesses like colds, flu, and COVID-19 affect school attendance, with a new air surveillance component to better understand how these viruses spread in our homes.

All family members swab themselves with a quick nasal swab on the drop-off day, and 7 and 14 days
later and complete a survey about their background and current symptoms. The study team will pick-up
the specimens after each collection – and you will receive a $50 gift card for your participation! The
samples will be tested for influenza and SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) and additional
common respiratory pathogens.

There is an optional air sampling component to the study where families can receive an additional $25
for participating. In this sub-study, you will receive a small air sampling device and if available, a CO2
monitor to use in a shared area of your home during the two weeks your family is enrolled. The air
sampler runs continuously and helps detect viruses that may be circulating in the air.

Study Eligibility & Participation

If your child becomes ill, your family may be able to participate in the ORCHARDS household study if:

  • They are a student, grades 4K – 12, in the Oregon School District
  • They are experiencing at least 2 of the following cold or flu symptoms - runny nose, stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough, fever
  • Their symptoms started ≤ 7 days ago

If your family is interested in participating, contact the study hotline at (608) 265-3164 or email ORCHARDS@fammed.wisc.edu to determine eligibility.

Learn More

There are many ways to learn more about the ORCHARDS study, the history of the partnership with the Oregon School District and find updates on current flu activity and viruses currently circulating within the Oregon School District. 

ORCHARDS Study Website

ORCHARDS Study Facebook Page