What is the purpose of this study?

This study aims to compare several different treatments that may be useful for patients with COVID-19 and/or influenza pneumonia. These treatments have been recommended for testing by the expert panel that advises the Chief Medical Officer in England. Although these treatments show promise, nobody knows if any of them will help patients recover more effectively than the usual standard of care all patients at your hospital will receive.

The treatments for COVID-19, which may be given in addition to the usual care at your hospital, include a high dose steroid, dexamethasone (if you need help with your breathing), a treatment for diabetes or heart failure called empagliflozin, a synthetic antibody treatment directed against the virus (called sotrovimab) and two antiviral treatments called molnupiravir and Paxlovid.

The treatments for influenza pneumonia, which may be given on top of your usual care, include two anti-viral treatments, oseltamivir and baloxavir and low-dose dexamethasone. At present, we don’t know whether any of these will work. However, the side-effects are already well-known from other uses and so your doctor will be able to monitor you appropriately.