Tell your Covid story to help researchers

People in Stirling are being urged to help save lives by supporting Covid-19 research.

Increased numbers of cases in the area has triggered a call for residents to share experiences with researchers trying to understand the impact of the illness.

Scientists trying to combat the coronavirus and asking locals to register to help on www.helpstopcovid19.com.

The IQVIA Covid-19 Active Research Experience (CARE) survey is examining all of the factors involved in the city’s outbreak and those elsewhere, including residents’social circumstances. Medical researchers in the UK and worldwide will be able to make free use of the anonymous information collected - speeding up research on vital treatments.

Its team has issued an appeal for people aged 18 and over to volunteer to tell their story of how Covid-19 has impacted upon them and those around them, whether or not they have had - or have been tested for - the disease. Researchers hope the experiences in Stirling could provide valuable insight into all of the factors linked to localised outbreaks to influence future prevention strategies.

They are looking into how personal circumstances, ethnicity, age, type of employment and underlying health conditions all impact upon how people have been affected by the illness in whatever way. In addition, IQVIA CARE is seeking to establish the role of vitamins, herbal medicines and prescription medicines in symptom relief, or preventing recurrence of Covid-19 related illnesses.

Participants can - if they wish - consent to further follow-up, including taking part in additional clinical research.

IQVIA CARE is an international public research survey, led by IQVIA, a global leader in clinical trials and real world evidence research.