Rush University monitors air for viruses amid cold and flu season

CHICAGO - Cold and flu season has already begun, and for the most part, doctors say it has been a typical respiratory illness season so far. 

At Rush University System for Health, monitoring efforts go beyond treating incoming patients—they're examining what's in the air.

The university hospital campus is home to four air-sampling boxes that have been running nonstop for about two years. These devices are part of a virus surveillance project aimed at detecting which respiratory viruses are spreading in the community.

Interest in virus surveillance grew significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to expanded efforts such as wastewater monitoring to track illnesses like the flu. 

Now, researchers at Rush are using air-sampling boxes to complement traditional testing methods.

By studying the data collected from the devices, public health officials can gain a clearer understanding of circulating illnesses, which could help guide decisions about preventive measures like masking or vaccines.

The air-sampling devices have detected COVID-19, flu, rhinovirus and a recent spike in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). 

While still in the research phase, each box costs approximately $5,000. 

If the project proves successful, these devices could be deployed in other public spaces beyond hospitals.