COVID-19 Coronavirus infection and exposure in households
This study will research how the novel coronavirus spreads in households where a COVID-19 infection caused by coronavirus has been diagnosed and how family members are exposed to the infection.
Objectives of the study
The aim of the study is to find out how individuals infected with the novel coronavirus produce antibodies as a result of a COVID-19 infection. In addition, the study will look into whether antibodies can be measured for other coronaviruses that cause respiratory infections and whether the virus is still found on mucous membranes after healing.
Persons exposed to COVID-19 in their households are examined to determine whether they have formed antibodies as a result of a possible asymptomatic COVID-19 infection.
In addition, persons infected with COVID-19 and those living in the same household are interviewed about their experiences regarding the quarantine period. The aim is to find out what kind of thoughts they had during the quarantine, how they felt about other people's attitudes during the quarantine, and how they felt the quarantine had affected their own health and well-being.
The study will be used to learn more about the immune response to the COVID-19 infection. It will be useful in the development of treatments and a vaccine.
Implementation of the study
Every person who wants to participate in the study will be interviewed remotely to ensure that the research criteria are met.
After this, the research group will come to the participant’s home to take nasopharyngeal swabs and blood samples and conduct an in-depth interview on the effects of quarantine.
The collection of samples, signature of consent forms and filling in of a questionnaire will take approximately 30 minutes. Another 30 minutes should be reserved for the in-depth interview concerning quarantine.
The study will be implemented in cooperation with the City of Helsinki.
Want to participate in the study?
You may be eligible to participate in this study, if you live in Helsinki and in the same household as someone who has been diagnosed with a COVID-19 infection less than a week ago. Read the instructions for participants and contact the research group via e-mail at coronakoti(at)thl.fi.
Instructions for participants
The study is headed by Chief Physician Hanna Nohynek and senior researchers Merit Melin and Niina Ikonen from the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare.
More information on coronavirus and COVID-19 infections
You may be eligible for the study, if:
- you live in Helsinki
- a family member in the same household as you has been been diagnosed less than a week ago with a laboratory-confirmed case of COVID-19.
- your family has been placed in quarantine due to the novel coronavirus.
If you wish to participate in the study, please first read Instructions for participants.
The e-mail address for the study is coronakoti(at)thl.fi.
Only those persons who meet the study’s research criteria will receive a reply.