A respiratory infection is an inflammation of the mucous membranes in your respiratory system (nose, mouth and airways) caused by a virus or bacteria. The air you breathe can contain all sorts of pathogens, including viruses and bacteria – such as Legionella or pneumococci bacteria. Common viruses that cause respiratory infections include the influenza virus (flu), the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) and the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV infections).

The COVID-19 crisis affects our whole country and has an impact on everyone’s life – directly and/or indirectly. The consequences of the virus and the measures are a potential threat to health and perceived happiness – in the short term and the longer term. That is why RIVM is researching this topic.

Over the course of the past three years, the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) has spread all over the world. Although most people have built up immunity by now, people still regularly experience symptoms from new or previous infections. RIVM is investigating immunity to SARS-CoV-2 among the general population in the Netherlands. In the PIENTER Corona study, we are collecting information about antibodies in the blood of the people who are participating. By doing so, RIVM aims to learn more about protecting people from the virus. We are also collecting information about the number of people who have been in contact with the virus and have built up immunity following vaccination.

There are many different types of viruses, including a family known as the ‘coronaviruses’. Examples of the coronaviruses are Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV), Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV1) and SARS-CoV-2. Coronaviruses mostly affect the respiratory system.

RIVM informs doctors and other care providers about the administration of the COVID-19 vaccinations in the Netherlands. Activities include arranging storage, transport and distribution of the vaccines, and registering data about COVID-19 vaccination. RIVM also provides general medical information about the COVID-19 vaccines.

The coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 causes the disease COVID-19. The symptoms often resemble the common cold at first. The course of illness varies. Some people do not become ill at all, or are only mildly ill from the virus. Others may become seriously ill and sometimes die from the effects of the disease. COVID-19 vaccination protects you from becoming seriously ill.  

The ‘Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus’ (MERS-CoV) is a fairly new type of coronavirus that was discovered in September 2012 which may cause severe symptoms, in particular among people who suffer from underlying conditions. The virus owes its name to the region where it presented itself for the first time and where most cases have been found: the Middle East.