RSV vs. Flu vs. COVID: How Clinical Research in Tampa Is Helping Us Breathe Easier
Medically Reviewed by: Santos Research Center Clinical Team
Last Updated: December 2025
Every winter in Tampa, the same question comes up: Is it RSV, the flu, or COVID-19? These illnesses often begin with similar symptoms, but they don’t affect the body in the same way — especially in a warm, humid climate where respiratory viruses can stick around longer than expected.
Clinical research plays a key role in helping us understand these infections and how they spread in our community.
At Santos Research Center, we partner with national sponsors to run respiratory studies throughout the year. Depending on the season, that may include RSV, influenza, or COVID-19 trials. Because availability changes often, the best way to see what’s open is to check our Current Studies page or complete a quick pre-screen.
These studies are only possible because of everyday people from Tampa, Town ’n’ Country, Citrus Park, and Carrollwood who volunteer to support better medicine, better prevention, and better care for the community.
RSV, Flu, or COVID? How to Tell These Viruses Apart
These viruses can feel similar at first, but they affect the respiratory system in different ways.
| Virus | How It Spreads | Common Symptoms | Who’s Most Affected | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RSV | droplets / close contact | cough, wheezing, congestion | infants, older adults | common cause of bronchiolitis |
| Flu | droplets | fever, chills, body aches | all ages | responds well to vaccination |
| COVID-19 | airborne + droplets | fatigue, cough, loss of taste/smell | all ages | symptoms vary by variant |
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)
RSV is incredibly common — most people have had it without realizing it. It often looks like a cold but can lead to bronchiolitis, persistent cough, or difficulty breathing in infants, older adults, or people with weakened immune systems.
Influenza (the Flu)
The flu usually hits fast. One day you’re fine, the next you’re in bed with chills, body aches, and a pounding headache. Influenza spreads quickly through workplaces, schools, and homes — which is why influenza vaccines remain essential for public health.
COVID-19
COVID-19 shares symptoms with RSV and the flu — fever, cough, fatigue — but may also affect taste, smell, and overall respiratory function. New variants continue to appear, which is why ongoing medical research still matters.
No matter which virus you’ve had, there’s a good chance you're familiar with at least some of these symptoms. Clinical trials help researchers stay ahead by studying how these viruses behave, how the immune system responds, and how future treatments may help reduce complications.
How RSV Clinical Trials Work
Clinical trials test investigational vaccines, antivirals, monoclonal antibodies, or other therapies designed to improve respiratory health. At Santos Research Center, the process is straightforward and supportive.
1. Pre-Screening
A quick phone call or online form helps determine whether a study might be a match. This includes basic questions about symptoms, medical history, and age.
2. Screening Visit
If a trial fits, you’ll come to our clinic at 5927 Webb Rd, Tampa, FL 33615, meet with a physician, and go through a screening exam. Some studies include diagnostic testing such as PCR, antigen swabs, or respiratory screening.
3. Study Visits
If you qualify and enroll, you’ll receive all study-related care — exams, monitoring, and follow-up — at no cost. Participants may be compensated for their time and travel.
4. Monitoring & Support
Throughout the study, licensed physicians and medical staff track symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, headache, or fever. Safety oversight is reviewed by independent boards and follows strict FDA guidelines.
Participating in research isn’t just about data — it’s about high-quality care, clear communication, and meaningful contributions to future treatments.
For more details, visit How to Qualify for Paid Clinical Trials.
Who Typically Qualifies for Respiratory Studies?
Because studies have specific protocols, criteria vary. But these are some common examples of who may qualify for different respiratory studies.
Adults 60+
RSV and flu studies often focus on older adults because the respiratory tract becomes more vulnerable with age.
Adults recently diagnosed with flu or COVID-19
Some studies evaluate investigational antiviral medications shortly after symptoms begin.
Adults with chronic conditions
Conditions that affect the respiratory system — such as asthma — may qualify for certain trials, depending on the protocol.
Parents of infants or children with RSV
Some pediatric RSV studies involve infants, toddlers, or young children. In these cases, parents or guardians provide consent.
Important Note: Availability changes throughout the year. To see what’s currently enrolling, visit the Current Studies page or call (813) 249-9100.
Why People Choose to Join Clinical Trials
People in Tampa join clinical trials for many reasons — and none of them are “because they love paperwork.”
- Better access to medical oversight: Participants get regular check-ins, respiratory exams, and close monitoring from experienced medical professionals.
- Compensation for time and travel: Each study’s compensation varies, but many participants appreciate the support, especially if they’ve missed work due to symptoms.
- Helping others in the community: This is the most common reason people mention. When someone joins a study, they’re contributing to something that could protect their family, neighbors, or even people elsewhere in the country.
- Supporting the future of respiratory medicine: From new vaccines to improved treatments, every participant helps push medical science forward.
For more on why participation matters, visit Why You Should Participate in Clinical Trials.
Your Safety Always Comes First
All studies at Santos Research Center follow strict safety rules:
- Reviewed by ethical oversight boards
- Conducted under FDA regulations
- Staffed by licensed physicians and respiratory medical staff
- Designed to monitor immune responses, symptoms, and wellbeing
- Built with patient comfort and transparency at the center
If you ever decide a study isn’t right for you, you can withdraw at any time.
For additional clarity on how studies are structured, see Types of Clinical Trials.
Want to See What’s Open Now?
RSV, flu, and COVID-19 studies don’t all run at the same time. Some are seasonal. Some depend on sponsor timelines. The easiest way to find out what’s open is to:
- Check our Current Studies page
- Or call us at (813) 249-9100
- Or complete a quick pre-screen to see if a current or future study may be a match
Even if nothing is open today, we’ll contact you as soon as something that fits your profile becomes available.
Join a Tampa Clinical Trial Today!
📍 Santos Research Center 5927 Webb Rd, Tampa, FL 33615 📞 (813) 249-9100 🔗 www.santosresearch.com
Participate in our Tampa-based clinical trials today.
About Santos Research Center
Santos Research Center has conducted more than 400 FDA-regulated clinical trials in partnership with major pharmaceutical sponsors and national CROs. Our research team includes licensed physicians, nurse practitioners, and certified clinical coordinators with extensive experience in infectious disease and respiratory studies.