In case you missed this!19 Jun 2020 11:27
Inhaler that 'lets Covid-19 victims treat themselves' will be rolled out across UK in a nationwide trial
An inhaler which could treat coronavirus in its early stages is now being trialled
The nebuliser was developed by scientists at the University of Southampton
Anyone who tests positive and fits the age profile can register for the trial
Testers will puff on the device daily for two weeks and be assessed via video link
Here’s how to help people impacted by Covid-19
By BEN SPENCER FOR THE DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 23:15, 18 June 2020 | UPDATED: 23:15, 18 June 2020
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A potentially life-saving inhaler that treats coronavirus in its earliest stages is being rolled out in a nationwide trial.
Scientists hope it will stop people entering the rapid deterioration phase of the illness in which victims develop breathing problems.
The nebuliser uses an experimental drug that is inhaled into the lungs and helps the immune system fight off the infection.
Scientists believe they have found an inhaler (pictured) that treats coronavirus in its earliest stages +2
Scientists believe they have found an inhaler (pictured) that treats coronavirus in its earliest stages
It could be a game-changer as there is currently no treatment for Covid-19 outside hospital.
People are simply told to self-isolate in the hope their condition does not deteriorate.
Lead researcher Professor Nick Francis, of the University of Southampton, said: ‘This trial is unique in that we are targeting individuals with risk factors for severe illness, very early on in the course of their infection.
‘By setting up a “virtual network” of study doctors and nurses we are able to recruit, consent, and provide daily monitoring to patients in their own homes, just about anywhere in the UK.
'Early treatment may be the key to preventing serious complications, hospitalisations, and death.’
The inhaler, pictured, turns a drug called SNG-001 into a fine mist so it can be breathed deep into the lungs.
Doctors believe it will give people the ability to treat themselves rather than just hope for the best.
The Daily Mail revealed last month that experts at University Hospital Southampton had launched the study.
It was limited to people living within 40 miles of the city because researchers wanted to give patients the drug within 72 hours of symptoms appearing.
The inhaler, which was researched at the University of Southampton (pictured), is being rolled out in a nationwide trial +2
The inhaler, which was researched at the University of Southampton (pictured), is being rolled out in a nationwide trial
At that point the national coronavirus testing system was taking too long so the experts set up their own testing lab in the city to speed up response times.
But the testing system is now working much quicker, meaning researchers can give the inhaler to people around the UK for the first time.
Anyone who tests po
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