Banbury Cross Health Centre encourages patients to participate in COVID-19 study
12/11/2020
Research looks into whether existing antibiotics can reduce COVID-19 symptoms for at-risk older people
Banbury Cross Health Centre is asking at-risk, older people with COVID-19 symptoms to consider volunteering for a study aimed at keeping them out of hospital. Anyone aged 50 and over with selected underlying health conditions, or people aged over 65 regardless of underlying health conditions, can take part.
The study looks into whether existing antibiotics can reduce COVID-19 symptoms. Dr James Kennard from Banbury Cross Health Centre described The University of Oxford work as ‘crucial’.
The Platform Randomised trial of Interventions against COVID-19 in older peoPLE (PRINCIPLE) trial is evaluating whether a seven-day course of antibiotics azithromycin or doxycycline can reduce the severity of COVID-19 symptoms in vulnerable groups to avoid hospital admission.
Dr Kennard said: “I’m pleased that we’re supporting this crucial study to help find the best treatments for COVID-19, to help reduce the severity of symptoms and the risk of hospital admission for patients.
“I would encourage anybody in the eligible age group, registered with any GP surgery, to participate if they develop COVID-19 symptoms by visiting the PRINCIPLE website or phoning the study team.”
People aged 50 to 64 with at least one of the below conditions can apply to take part:
- weakened immune system due to a serious illness or medication (e.g. chemotherapy)
- heart disease or high blood pressure
- asthma or lung disease
- known diabetes
- liver disease
- stroke or neurological problem
- obesity
The trial is funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
Anyone interested in participating can register online at principletrial.org or call 0800 138 0880. Those registered at Banbury Cross Health Centre can also talk to their GP about participating.
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
