Deliberately Infected: 13 Days in Quarantine for Science
On September 20, a remarkable study kicked off in Antwerp: 24 healthy volunteers were deliberately exposed to an influenza virus at Vaccinopolis, the University of Antwerp’s clinical research facility. They spent 13 days in quarantine under close medical supervision. Stroom spoke with two participants.
In short
- 24 volunteers spent 13 days in quarantine to be exposed to an influenza virus.
- The study was supported by the NIVI Research Center and the Province of Antwerp.
- Some participants experienced mild symptoms, but none became seriously ill.
- The data will be further analysed in laboratories in Antwerp, Leuven, Copenhagen and Rome in the months ahead.
The goal of the FLAIM study was to better understand how the virus spreads, how the human body responds, and what role airway immunity plays. That knowledge is vital for developing more effective vaccines and improving preparedness for future epidemics. The study was conducted with support from the NIVI Research Center in Copenhagen and the Province of Antwerp.
Sewing, UFOs & Yoga
A total of 24 volunteers took part in the FLAIM study. One of them, Ellen Anno, heard about the project through a VRT news report. “Curiosity was my main reason for signing up,” she says. “I like a challenge, and I don’t get sick easily, so I wasn’t afraid. My only concern was boredom. So I brought my sewing machine, some painting supplies, study books, and my yoga mat. I arrived with a small bag of clothes and a huge bag full of hobbies.”
Jéssica van Roij was also intrigued: “I’ve never had the flu before, so I was curious to see how my body would react. The financial compensation was certainly a factor, but I was also looking forward to the me-time. I’m quite introverted, so two weeks of drawing, watching series and catching up on sleep sounded pretty good.”
For Nico Dierickx, who turns 40 this year, the FLAIM study was an ideal opportunity to give his body a thorough check-up. “I’ve already had COVID more than four times. If that’s the case, I’d rather gain some immune cells by catching the flu in a controlled setting,” he laughs. Dierickx had planned to record a new episode of his cycling podcast, read a recently published book about UFOs, and finally tackle his tax return during quarantine.
A Few Low Points – But No Major Illness
Unfortunately, Dierickx fell ill just before the study started and couldn’t be admitted, but Anno and van Roij both completed their stay. “After a while the monotony did get to me, and I had a bit of a dip,” Anno admits. “I’m a very active person and wasn’t allowed to exercise for 13 days. Luckily, the doctors and nurses were incredibly supportive, and there was room for mental health check-ins as well. In the end, I didn’t get sick at all — my body seemed to deal with the virus quite quickly.”
The constant nasal and throat swabs and all the blood tests weren’t exactly fun, but we were spoiled by the staff.
Van Roij developed mild flu-like symptoms, but nothing severe. “The constant nasal and throat swabs and all the blood tests weren’t exactly fun,” she laughs, “but we were spoiled by the staff. They really went out of their way to make us feel comfortable and cared for.”
Pandemic Preparedness
Throughout the study, participants were closely monitored, tested and cared for by the Vaccinopolis team. Researchers examined every stage of the infection: how the virus replicates, how it’s shed, and how the immune system responds.
The data will now be analysed in labs across Antwerp, Leuven, Copenhagen and Rome. Pierre Van Damme, director of Vaccinopolis, calls the study “a major step forward in unlocking the full potential of Vaccinopolis for pandemic preparedness.” Thor Theander from NIVI adds: “FLAIM can provide crucial insights into viral replication, viral shedding and airway immunity. It aligns perfectly with our mission to develop vaccines that protect against respiratory diseases.”
A Personal Journey
For Anno and van Roij, the experience was not only scientifically meaningful but also personally enriching. “It was like living in a vacuum for two weeks,” Anno reflects. “Disconnected from the outside world, able to slow down and do things entirely at my own pace. That felt liberating.”
Van Roij agrees: “You learn something about yourself — how you react, how you cope with isolation. For me, it was a positive experience. I’d actually do it again.”
For the University of Antwerp and its partners, the study marks an important step in infectious disease research. For the volunteers, it remains an unforgettable adventure: 13 days in quarantine, deliberately infected — and all in the name of science.
Want to participate in a clinical trial?
You can participate ambulatory or in quarantine. More information about participating in scientific research can be found on the website of Vaccinopolis.