Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

COVID-19 Symptom Tracker

This study uses a free app called 'COVID-19 Symptom Tracker' to help understand the new coronavirus. People who download the app share information about their health daily, such as temperature and symptoms like coughs or headaches. It also records how staying at home or social distancing affects their mood and mental health. Scientists want to learn why some people get very sick with COVID-19 while others have mild or no symptoms. They also hope the information will help tell the difference between COVID-19 and a regular cold, so people don't self-isolate unnecessarily or accidentally spread the virus when they have it.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

King's College London

Enrolment target

10,000,000

Start

23 Mar 2020

Estimated completion

23 Mar 2026

COVID-19

What is this study about?

The COVID-19 Symptom Tracker is a free app designed to help us understand the coronavirus better. You can download this app on your phone, and it helps record your symptoms, if you have any, in real-time. This means that as soon as you experience something, you can log it, giving scientists up-to-date information on how the illness progresses.

The app isn't just about physical symptoms. It also asks about your general mood and how you're feeling emotionally, especially considering measures like self-isolation and social distancing. This helps researchers understand the full impact of the pandemic on people's health, both physically and mentally. The information gathered will be really important in understanding why some people get very ill from COVID-19 while others only have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. It also helps track how the virus is spreading.

Ultimately, the goal is to use this information to help doctors and health organisations make better decisions. For example, it could help them tell the difference between a mild COVID-19 infection and a common cold, which might stop people from staying home unnecessarily or, more dangerously, going out and spreading the virus if they have it.

Key takeaways

It's a free app to track COVID-19 symptoms and how you feel.
Your health updates help scientists understand the virus better.
You report symptoms, temperature, and how measures like isolation affect you.
It aims to help tell COVID-19 apart from common colds.
You can participate if you're 18 or older, in many countries.
You can stop using the app whenever you want.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be 18 years old or older. You can be located anywhere in the world where the app is approved and available for download on app stores. If you can't download the app, there will also be an online version you can use.

Anyone under the age of 18 cannot participate. Also, if you are unable to understand what the study involves and agree to take part freely, you would not be able to join.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have a smartphone or access to a computer (for the web version)?
Can you understand what the study involves and agree to take part willingly?
Are you able to provide daily updates on your health or symptoms?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you would need to download the free 'COVID-19 Symptom Tracker' app onto your phone. Then, on a daily basis, you would open the app and record information about your health. This includes details like your temperature, how tired you feel, and any symptoms you might have, such as a cough, breathing difficulties, or headaches. You can also report if you feel completely healthy and have no symptoms at all. There are no fixed clinic visits or medications involved; your participation is mainly through updating the app regularly. The total duration for how long you update the app is up to you, as long as you're willing to continue sharing your health updates.

Potential risks and benefits

The main benefit of taking part is contributing valuable information that helps scientists understand COVID-19 better, potentially leading to improved ways to manage the pandemic. There are very few direct risks, as you are simply recording information about your health. Your data will be handled carefully to protect your privacy. You are free to stop using the app and withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason.

Locations (2)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Massachusetts General Hospital
Verified postcode
Boston, United States
King's College London
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is the purpose of this app?

The app helps scientists gather information about COVID-19 symptoms, how the illness progresses, and how measures like self-isolation affect people's well-being.

Do I have to have COVID-19 symptoms to use the app?

No, you can also report if you feel completely healthy and have no symptoms. This information is also very important for the study.

Who developed this app?

It was developed by a health technology company called Zoe Global Limited, working with scientists from King's College London and other major universities.

Is my personal information kept private?

Yes, your data will be handled carefully, and the study aims to protect your privacy while using the information for research.

Can I stop using the app at any time?

Yes, you are free to stop using the app and withdraw your participation whenever you wish, without needing to provide a reason.