Frequency of respiratory pathogens detected by self-testing using MAK5 in subjects 50 years or older

As presented in a recent Vaccelerate webinar, researchers at the University Hospital Cologne represent a major advancement in population-based infectious disease surveillance. Conducted over 12 months and sponsored by Moderna Germany, the study systematically investigated the epidemiology of acute respiratory infections (ARI) in adults aged 50 years and older across Germany. Unlike traditional surveillance, which primarily captures individuals seeking medical attention, the MAK5‑50+ study utilized a fully decentralized, self‑testing framework that enabled direct data collection from a general population. This innovative approach closed a long-standing gap in respiratory virus epidemiology by including mild or asymptomatic infections that are typically absent from official health records. Study rationale Respiratory illnesses such as COVID‑19, influenza, and RSV all exhibit an almost identical spectrum of clinical symptoms, making differentiation difficult in the absence of targeted testing. Historically, diagnostic testing for respiratory pathogens has been reserved for those with severe illness or risk factors for complications. As a result, existing epidemiological data are...