Why is this research being done?

Your doctors have found that you have a lung disease called COVID-19 and/or influenza pneumonia (“flu”). COVID-19 is caused by a type of virus called SARS-CoV-2, or coronavirus for short. Influenza pneumonia is caused by a flu virus different to COVID-19. About 19 out of 20 patients who get these viruses get better without coming to hospital. Of those who are admitted to hospital, most also get better, but some may need oxygen or mechanical ventilation before they do so. However, a few percent do not get better.

This trial has already shown that low doses of a type of steroid, dexamethasone and other treatments reduce the risk of dying for some patients hospitalised with COVID-19. There are several other treatments which may turn out to be helpful (or possibly harmful) when added to the usual standard of care for either COVID-19 or influenza pneumonia. This study aims to find out whether any of these additional treatments are helpful.