Researchers from the University of Southampton and the University of Oxford are looking for people with a recent sore throat to take part in research to see if it’s possible to do a large trial of people scoring and swabbing their own sore throat.
Most people with sore throat do not benefit from taking antibiotics and this research could help find easier ways of identifying people who are most likely to benefit from antibiotics.
The project team is recruiting participants who have recently developed a sore throat (preferably within a week). The study involves some self-assessment of symptoms and findings and taking swabs and saliva samples. You will be sent throat swab test kits for you to try out on a video call. The team wants to recruit both adults and children. You can take part by yourself (aged 16-65) or with your child (aged 3-15).
The project team is hopeful that this research will lead to a larger trial to determine if this strategy of using self-assessment and tests for sore throats can reduce inappropriate use of antibiotics thus reducing antimicrobial resistance and make better use of resources.
To show appreciation for taking part in the study, you will receive a £20 Love 2 Shop voucher, which can be spent online and in-store at over 70 big brands.
For more information and to sign up for the study, please visit https://fours2.lifeguidewebsites.org/
