Investigation of COVID-19 symptoms and potential immunity in the general population

Plain English summary of protocol

Background and study aims
COVID-19 is a condition caused by the coronavirus (called SARS-CoV-2) that was first identified in late 2019. This virus can infect the respiratory (breathing) system. Some people do not have symptoms but can carry the virus and pass it on to others. People who have developed the condition may develop a fever and/or a continuous cough among other symptoms. This can develop into pneumonia. Pneumonia is a chest infection where the small air pockets of the lungs, called alveoli, fill with liquid and make it more difficult to breathe.
In 2020, the virus has spread to many countries around the world and neither a vaccine against the virus or specific treatment for COVID-19 has yet been developed. As of April 2020, it is advised that people minimize travel and social contact, and regularly wash their hands to reduce the spread of the virus.
Groups who are at a higher risk from infection with the virus, and therefore of developing COVID-19, include people aged over 70 years, people who have long-term health conditions (such as asthma or diabetes), people who have a weakened immune system and people who are pregnant. People in these groups, and people who might come into contact with them, can reduce this risk by following the up-to-date advice to reduce the spread of the virus.
This study aims to track up to 90,000 individuals across England to provide scientists and national decision-makers with detailed information to help control and understand the COVID-19 pandemic. The study will investigate why some people have COVID-19 symptoms and others don’t, and determine the risk factors for infection. It will help to determine the extent of infection in the general population and help to design new ways to prevent and treat such infections.

Who can participate?
Individuals who participated in the INTERVAL, COMPARE or STRIDES BioResource studies

What does the study involve?
Participants will be asked to provide monthly questionnaire information and a subset of willing participants will be asked to provide monthly fingerprick blood samples.

What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
There are no direct benefits to the study participants. The findings from this study will be discussed with key government agencies responsible for helping with the COVID-19 pandemic (e.g., Public Health England). There is no risk associated with participation.

Where is the study run from?
University of Cambridge (UK)

When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
March 2020 to June 2021

Who is funding the study?
University of Cambridge (UK)

Who is the main contact?
Unfortunately, this study is not recruiting public volunteers at this time. Please do not contact the research team as they will not be able to respond. For more information about COVID-19 research, visit the Be Part of Research homepage.

Contact information

Study information

Eligibility

Locations

Countries of recruitment

• United Kingdom
• England

Study participating centre

Results and Publications

Study outputs

Editorial Notes

07/07/2020: Contact details updated.
01/06/2020: Trial's existence confirmed by Nottingham Research Ethics Committee 2.