Grant: DRA - Priority Announcement: Circulatory and Respiratory Health

Chronic respiratory diseases are long-lasting medical conditions that affect proper breathing to the point of hindering daily life. Respiratory diseases in children are especially devastating and pose stress on both the child and their families. Asthma is the most common chronic disease in Canada, and is also the leading cause of hospitalizations and school absences in school-aged children. Similarly, sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), such as obstructive sleep apnea and habitual snoring, is estimated to impact at least 6% of all young Canadians. SDB has been previously linked to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), poor academic performance, and cognitive dysfunction, highlighting the burden of disease on a child's wellbeing. No cure currently exists for asthma or SDB, making prevention the best way to protect our health. Prevention of disease is rooted in our ability to minimize the risk of disease development. While risk factors such as air pollution, genetics, and co-existing medical conditions are well studied, there exists no quick, cost-effective strategy that we can carry out to reduce the risk of disease development. In contrast, preventative measures against viral infections, such as vaccinations and social distancing, are well studied, easy to implement, and cost-effective. Recent research has revealed that viruses causing the common cold can increase the risk of both asthma and SDB development by kindergarten, but the relationships between disease development and all other childhood viral infections remain unknown. Our goal is to fill in this knowledge gap and identify all key viruses responsible for driving disease development. We will direct future vaccine programs and promote public awareness with the results of our research. By protecting against viral infections causing asthma and SDB, we will ultimately protect the healthy development and wellbeing of young Canadians.