FIVE CORONA TRIALS YOU CAN SIGN UP FOR

HELP FIND DRUGS FOR OLDER PATIENTS

Oxford University is also running The Principle Trial, which aims to find medicines for people aged 50 and over, who are the worst hit by Covid-19.

The drug, azithromycin, is an antibiotic that has anti-inflammatory effects.

To join, you have to be aged between 50 and 64 and have one background condition, such as high blood pressure, diabetes or asthma. You also have to have developed Covid-19 symptoms, including a fever and continuous cough, or have had a positive test less than 15 days ago.

Volunteers should be managing their symptoms at home – not in hospital. The drugs will be delivered by a GP, nurse or other doctor. Sign up at www.phctrials. ox.ac.uk/principle-trial.

HAS THE PANDEMIC MADE YOU LONELIER?

Experts across the world have raised concerns that the huge disruption to life caused by lockdown, along with the very real threat of catching a serious illness, have impacted our emotions, behaviour and wellbeing.

This online study aims to find out how much. It is being run by Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust in Portsmouth, and simply involves filling out a confidential questionnaire. It is open to anyone over 16.

Sign up at www. southernhealth.nhs.uk/ about/ news/ psychologicalimpact- of-corona virus-study.

YOUR BLOOD COULD BECOME A TREATMENT

There is some evidence that blood plasma – a major component of blood which contains immune system cells – taken from people who have recovered from Covid-19 could be used as a treatment.

If you have had a positive Covid-19 test result, or have had symptoms, you can register to donate. The process is just like giving blood. Health Secretary Matt Hancock, who fell ill with coronavirus in March, has joined the trial, and there are donation venues across the country.

Sign up at nhsbt.nhs.uk.

HOW MANY YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE HAD IT?

Young people are most likely to experience few, if any, Covid-19 symptoms.

If you are under 24, you can join the What’s The Story trial, also being run by Oxford, which aims to find out how many have had it, possibly unknowingly.

It involves one visit to a clinic and a blood test to check levels of Covid-19 antibodies, as well as other infectious diseases such as diphtheria and meningitis. You have to live in specific postcodes to join.

Sign up at trials.ovg.ox. ac.uk/trials/what-is-story.

ANOTHER VACCINE TRIAL TO JOIN

Researchers at Imperial College London have this month started trialling a vaccine for Covid-19.

As with the jab I had, it has already passed stringent safety tests. You must be over 18 and not have had Covid-19. They will soon be enrolling participants at imperial.ac.uk/covid-19vaccine-trial.