Sheffield to play key role in groundbreaking new study into long-term health impacts of coronavirus

A major UK study involving researchers from the University of Sheffield into the long-term health impacts of Covid-19 on hospitalised patients has been launched.
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This study is one of a number of Covid-19 studies that have been given urgent public health research status by the Department of Health and Social Care.

Around 10,000 patients are expected to take part which will make it one of the largest studies in the world to understand and improve the health of survivors after hospitalisation from Covid-19.

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Sheffield city centre. Picture: Chris EtchellsSheffield city centre. Picture: Chris Etchells
Sheffield city centre. Picture: Chris Etchells
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Symptoms of Covid-19 have varied among those who have tested positive: some have displayed no symptoms, while others have developed severe pneumonia and sadly even lost their lives.

Researchers from across the University of Sheffield, led by the Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular Disease, will be involved in the study; bringing together valuable expertise in the fields of infectious diseases, respiratory medicine, imaging, cardiology and immunology to help uncover the scope of impacts the virus has on people’s health.

Professor Sarah Rowland-Jones, principal investigator, said: “Although most people with Covid-19 recover completely, we are finding that some experience prolonged symptoms, such as cough, breathlessness, fever, tachycardia and fatigue, which may persist for weeks or months after the initial infection.

“Taking part in this major national study will help us to learn why some people have these late effects following infection, and to develop better strategies to help them return to full health. We are fortunate in Sheffield to have a world-leading imaging group which will allow us to look in great depth at the impact of Covid-19 on the tissues and blood vessels of the lungs and heart.”

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Patients involved in the study will be assessed using techniques such as advanced imaging, data collection and analysis of blood and lung samples, creating a comprehensive picture of the impact Covid-19 has had on longer term health.

Chief Medical Officer, Professor Chris Whitty, said: “As well as the immediate health impacts of the virus it is also important to look at the longer term impacts.”​​​​​​

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