HANSON
Respiratory infections are particularly common during the winter season. Up to 10% of the population is affected, which also places a heavy burden on primary care practices. In addition to employee absenteeism due to illness, respiratory infections are also the most common reason for prescribing antibiotics.
The HANSON study investigates whether the early use of a hypertonic saline solution as a nasal spray can shorten the duration and severity of illness in adults with respiratory tract infections.
The cluster-randomized controlled trial in general practice is being conducted in collaboration with three research practice networks: BayFoNet (Würzburg, Erlangen, TU and LMU Munich, Augsburg, Regensburg), FoPraNet-BW (Tübingen, Ulm, and Freiburg), and RESPonsE (Berlin, Jena). In addition, two other institutes of general medicine at the universities of Marburg and Kiel, along with their respective research practice networks, are participating. The project is led by the Institute of General Medicine at the University Hospital of Würzburg.
A total of 200 general practice clinics across Germany are to be recruited. 3,840 patients are to be enrolled and followed for twelve months.
The project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space.
The project will run from April 1, 2026, to September 30, 2030.
Partners
- Medical Center – University of Freiburg
- University Hospital of Würzburg
- University Hospital Erlangen
- Technical University of Munich
- Augsburg University Hospital
- University Hospital of Tübingen
- University Hospital Ulm
- Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel
- Charité – University Medicine Berlin
- University Hospital Jena
- University of Marburg
- University Hospital Regensburg
- Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich Medical Center
Other partners
- Reutlingen University – Department of Computer Science
- University of Würzburg – Virology
- University Hospital Würzburg – Data Integration Center
- University Hospital Würzburg – Coordination Center for Clinical Trials
Claudia Salm, M.D., M.Sc.,
Specialist in General Medicine, Head of Research
, Medical Center – University of Freiburg
, Institute of General Medicine
, Elsässerstr. 4d · 79110 Freiburg