SCV2 FLuSHED Study

Covid-Flush Graphic.

Welcome to the SCV2 FLuSHED Study Webpage.

Please feel free to reach out to the FLuSHED study team at flushed@wustl.edu or 314-454-8497 or 314-747-4041 with any questions or concerns.

  • SARS-CoV-2 (SCV2) is the virus that causes COVID-19.
  • People infected with SCV2 can spread the virus and shed the virus in their stool whether they have symptoms or not.
  • Wastewater testing detects the SCV2 virus from people with COVID-19 symptoms as well as people without COVID-19 symptoms.
  • This is useful because not all people with COVID-19 see a physician or have a positive test.
  • Wastewater testing allows for early detection of COVID-19 outbreaks in the community.

The SCV2 FLuSHED Study will enroll people who recently tested positive for COVID-19 to determine:

  • How different COVID-19 symptoms and variants affect how much of the virus is shed in stool
  • How previous infections with and/or vaccinations against COVID-19 affect how much of the virus is shed in stool
  • How long people with COVID-19 shed the virus in their stool
Who is eligible to be enrolled in the SCV2 Fecal Shedding Study?

We are looking for volunteers who:

  • Had a positive test for COVID-19
  • Started having COVID-19 symptoms within the last 7 days
  • Are age 5 years or older
  • Live in the St. Louis metro area
What is involved in participation?

Participation includes collecting the following:

  • Stool specimens: once per week for 35 days
  • Nasal swabs: once per week for 35 day
  • Finger sticks and (optional) blood draws: once at enrollment and once at Day 35
  • Surveys: once per week for 35 days
Who is funding this study?

This study is funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.