Speakers:
Prof. Georgia Gioula
Associate Professor of Medical Microbiology
School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Member of WHO's and ECDC's National Influenza network
Dra. Mariela Muñoz Ortega
Technical Director of the Molecular Morphology
Laboratory of the Center of Excellence in Morphological
and Surgical Studies
CEMyQ at University of La Frontera
Overview:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the circulation of respiratory viruses changed dramatically, with only very low influenza activity observed in 2020-2021 compared to previous seasons. However, testing for these respiratory viruses remains important for managing hospitalized patients while the ongoing surveillance of these viruses is key for global public health.
This webinar will discuss the significance of other respiratory viruses in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Northern and Southern hemispheres. Two leading experts in the field, Dr. Georgia Gioula and Dra. Mariela Muñoz Ortega, will provide their opinions on testing approaches, surveillance programs, and what we might expect in the future.Learning objectives:
- Explore the circulation of influenza and other seasonal respiratory viruses since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Understand the role of respiratory virus testing in patient management and the value of a syndromic multiplex testing approach.
- Discuss what we can expect for the upcoming seasons in a post-vaccination era.
Who Should Attend:
Laboratory Directors, Laboratory Managers, Public health, Researchers, Epidemiologists, Virologists