The process from first contact to enrolment did take a while (over a year); some of that was due to FluCamp’s schedule (presumably managing a high volume of volunteer appointments), and then in Autumn last year when we resumed the appointment process a delay happened due to me having donated blood recently and therefore not being able to continue the process until 3 months had passed. FluCamp should advise upfront what could contribute to delays in getting through the process so that volunteers can be mindful of this.

Having read most of the reviews in advance, I was very sceptical. However, now that I’ve gone through the full process, I can confidently advise anyone who is interested, that this is a completely legitimate operation - there are just lots of moving parts. I would also say that you should only sign up if you’re a patient person and have a semi-flexible schedule. I work from home most of the week, and I’m fortunate that my work setup allows me to complete a lot of work out of standard business hours.

Once I was enrolled onto a trial, it was a very quick process (I would have preferred if the confirmation call happened at least 10-14 days beforehand, but as it stood, I was given 7 days notice. My only criticism of this was that I was anxious about making sure I could adhere to the list of items to abstain from in the lead up to the trial.

The trial took place in a medical research facility behind Whitechapel Road, but I think the location is changing very soon. I originally thought it would take place in a hotel, but I was quite relieved that it was more like a hospital ward with lots of doctors and nurses around.

Enrolment day is a busy one, lots of health checks. After that, there were just routine daily health checks (nasal wash, vitals, symptom questionnaires). There were two instances of heavy cannula days which aren’t fun and just uncomfortable at times. That lasts for 15-72 hours each time.

I heard that a few people hated the food, but honestly, I found it to be absolutely fine. It's basically canteen food. You order food from an app which gets sent to the kitchen staff each day. There is a modest range of meat, veggie, and vegan options. There are daily specials for the evening meals, and I was pleasantly surprised by the decent roast option I chose for Sunday dinner. The key is to sample across the menu and find out what’s good. I’d say out of the 15 days and 3 meals a day, I had 2-3 meals that weren’t great, but did the job just fine). The seasoning is hit and miss, but not the end of the world - you can request sachets of salt and pepper. There are healthy snacks provided, though there could definitely be more fresh fruit made available to volunteers. For me, having a couple of apples and a banana will fill me up for longer than a packet of crisps, popcorn, or nut bar.

Sleep was occasionally an issue for me, but that was because I was situated right next to the hatch where the blood samples get sent to the lab. It was pretty loud and my bed shook every time the latch was opened or close (not fun but couldn't be helped). It's only an issue if you're near a hatch.

The staff were absolutely lovely and there were zero negative interactions. Obviously, you learn who your favourite people are because they chat a little more or have a great bedside manner. As it is a research operation, there are quite a few younger members of staff who I can only presume are students training in various medical professions. They’re very sweet and I was happy to be a guinea pig for their journey - they all have to practice and learn!

My quarantine period (the trial) was 15 days in total. It’s a bit lonely, but the room has a smart tv, games console, modest en suite, hospital bed, hospital table and chair, and was approximately 11ft by 9ft. It’s small and I didn’t have a window (others did), so it becomes a mind over matter thing. I kept myself busy with work, music, tv, and napping.

My personal experience of the actual virus and test drug is that I had zero symptoms, and it was a double-blind trial which meant neither myself or staff were aware of whether I was taking the placebo or test drug. This isn’t necessarily the case for everyone, but I was monitored everyday and felt extremely safe and cared for.

It’s 2 days since I’ve been discharged and payment 1 of 2 has already started processing - the email came through earlier this morning. I had a feedback call about my experience with Betty, who was very engaging and helped me understand more about the background operations and additional benefits.

You can also have items delivered (not food or meds).

I will definitely be signing up for future trials as I am much more confident in the FluCamp operation, it’s legitimacy, and the benefits have outweighed any slight inconveniences. This will go towards paying for my Masters degree!

I just completed a 2 week quarantine. Quite pleased with how it went - I was lucky enough not to get symptoms, the food was great and the staff were helpful.

My only advice is if possible, provide some kind of schedule in terms of what days/times to expect the tests so patients can plan work and other commitments in advance. Looking forward to the Canary Wharf facility next time!

The first time I applied went well. My first appointment was in February, my second was in March, and I was doing a trial in April. It went well, I didn’t think their communication via email was wonderful but nothing glaringly bad.

Then in August I applied again and had my first appointment. After 6 weeks of not hearing anything back, I contacted FluCamp and they told me ‘someone would get back to me in a few weeks’, a few weeks later I still hadn’t heard anything so I called and emailed again. I was told that I was a potential match for a trial at the end of the year and someone would contact me in a few weeks. No one contacted me. I kept calling, they kept telling me to wait, no one ever called or emailed me (I must’ve called 5 or 6 times). Eventually in December they told me it was too close to the trial to do a second appointment so to call back in early January to book a second appointment then. They said it had been too long since my first appointment so I’d have to have a blood test again even though I’d been told the first appointment is good for a year. I had that appointment in early February. They never got back to me. They told me my doctors hadn’t sent over my medical summary despite FluCamp paying for it, and my doctors said they didn’t pay. They never told me about this or tried to chase it up themselves. I had to call multiple times to get them to prove to my doctors it had been paid. Two weeks later I called because I hadn’t heard anything and they told me I’m only eligible for a trial I’ve already done but they never bothered to call to tell me this.

They also said their new policy is that I have to wait a year to apply again? Even though on their website it still says 3 months!

Their communication is appalling, emails and calls are often left unanswered or unreturned. Everything takes a really long time. I wish I could say differently, as my first time was okay but this experience over the past 8 MONTHS has been so frustrating that I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone ever again.

Really lovely team of nurses. Was nervous about the bloods but they don’t hurt at all! Food options are great and staff are on hand at anytime if you need anything. Very comfortable and would probably do it again !

Amazing experience the staff were fantastic . The communication from the moment I signed up to finishing the trial was fantastic . All the nurses on the trial were so friendly and really looked after me, when my flu symptoms kicked in they were very attentive and made sure I was OK, the food was really nice and very easy to order on the app it was a fantastic experience , only negative was I had to travel from manchester to London but its very easy on a coach to get there. Highly reccomend flu camp I will deffinatly be applying again. Thankyou

The staff were very friendly, accomodation was nice and the food was great and filling. I felt very safe through the process. Would recommend.

Really would recommend flucamp to anyone who's on the fence! I regret not doing it sooner and was blown away by the professionalism and the helpfulness of all the staff. The whole process was great and I will definitely be back!

Great experience, had just over a 2 week stay and would happily go back for another. Play station and TV in the room definitely helped pass the time. The staff made me feel very welcome and relaxed, wide selection of meals, overall great stay.

From the moment I was admitted into the quarantine, the staff were incredibly helpful, friendly, and professional in all aspects throughout the trial.
The food was fantastic and the facilities provided were more than adequate for the entirety of the stay and I would highly recommend anyone thinking about taking part in trial, to definitely go with flucamp, I will be hoping to take part in future trials and look forward to all the friendly faces I will get to meet again

I am writing this as a 1-star review just so that others will see it.

If you have had ANY history with anxiety or depression, even if it was 13 years ago while at university, DO NOT waste your time.

I had my first blood test in September 2023. Was told I'd be eligible for a study in November. Waited.
By January I was told there's a study I'm eligible for. Had to repeat first blood test in February.

Second stage of testing took place at end of March 2024. Then because of an issue with my blood, I had to repeat the second stage a week later.

Bear in mind: you can not have any caffeine, nicotine, alcohol or even ANY EXERCISE for a week leading up to second stage testing. So because of the repeat second test, that's two weeks I wasn't allowed to do exercise or drink coffee.

Repeat testing of second stage was done Early April.
Was told I'd be in a study mid-April.
Waited. Waited. Called up on the day the study was supposed to start. Was told to wait until the end of the day to be notified.

Waited.

End of the day I called them. "You've been excluded due to a history of anxiety".

I went to a GP once 13 years ago due to feeling low during my first semester at university, this was enough to get me excluded.

I wouldn't mind being excluded for that if it wasn't for the MONTHS of waiting. It's incredibly difficult to be flexible enough to go in for multiple visits, to be structuring the next few months of your life to work around a study that will take place over the course of 3 months. I was waiting all that time to find out what dates I could book my holiday or not.

I feel it was quite disrespectful of them not to not notify me earlier on.

I understand their regulations surrounding mental health - you're locked in a room alone for two weeks, most people would struggle. But it is quite stupid that a mental health visit 13 years ago barred me from the study. I did fine in COVID lockdowns!

What's more frustrating is that they had my GP medical history since October. I sent them a copy myself. They have been able to see my medical history since October, so why waste my time until April the following year?

Basically, DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME if you have ANY HISTORY OF MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES, even if it was decades ago. You will be excluded.

Also don't sign up if you have a full time 9-5 job, or if you can not visit the clinic 7 times during office hours over the course of a few months.

All that said, the staff were lovely and I always felt very safe and cared for during my visits.

It's just the communication that is an issue.

Really enjoyed my 2 weeks of quarantine with FluCamp. It was a really nice break from the world, just 2 weeks of quiet time to relax, with food and unlimited snacks provided to you and nothing else to do besides having a good time. And it's extremely well paid, so that's that. The communication throughout the whole screening process (1st and 2nd medical appointments) and leading to quarantine was all super clear and transparent. My only regret is not having heard of FluCamp earlier honestly

Extremely easy process throughout, food and accommodation was good. Staff were extremely helpful always checking in and informing me of what was happening.

Absolutely loved my stay, first appointment gave my blood, second appointment done a few tests which I passed, then was awaiting a quarantine stay, got my fixed date. Went to London had my stay, 2 weeks great staff, food was nice, it changes everyday so you don’t get bored, room is well equipped with snacks, staff always checking up if you’re okay, you have a tv and games console. I just wish the process from first appointment, second appointment and quarantine date were quicker and not so far apart. I really want to go again! Just did my first visit of my second trial, I want to do the process again! Hope I get picked again. I can’t describe how fun it was and how quick the time went.

FluCamp were my third paid clinical trial so it was not a new experience for me, however, it was my first long stay in quarantine.

Overall I had a good experience - I think it's helpful to be mentally prepared for what to expect before you go in because not being able to leave your room for 16 days can be pretty intense.

First of all - it's not a holiday, you will have a lot of free time and few responsibilities, but the trial and your safety are #1 priority so you will need to be available to fill out symptom diary cards, perform breathing tests, have bloods taken, ECGs, vitals etc. And these can all happen at any time from 7am to 2am at night (thankfully late night stuff is rare - only 3 days out of the 16 total). So you think you'll get loads of sleep lying in bed for 16 days but it doesn't work out that way.

Second - the room is similar to a hospital ward, there's no privacy because you need to be under 24/7 observation for safety, the bathroom is private but doors not lockable, there's also a noise coming from outside at all times of day and lights in the corridor outside the room are only dimmed from about 11pm to 6am. My recommendation, bring good ear plugs and a face mask, these are essential especially if you're a light sleeper like me!

Third - the beds are hospital beds with foam mattresses and very basic bedding. Ok for a night or two but not comfortable for a long stay. Bringing a pillow or comfort blanket from home might make it a bit more comfy, and don't be afraid to ask for extra pillows.

The food is mostly very healthy and they give you a variety of options including burgers, salads, soups, and main dishes. Some meals were tasty (e.g. spiced lentil soup, ramen in soy broth, caesar salad) whilst others were bland (the vegetable 'curry' which consisted of dry vegetables with a little bit of spice seasoning and no sauce, with rice and stale pitta bread). Thankfully you can always ask for snacks and they have a good stash of snacks you can eat, so you'll never go hungry. I lost a little weight on the trial from all the healthy eating.

You can wash clothes in the bathroom sink but it's very small. I recommend bringing plenty of pants and socks, tops and trousers you can get away with wearing for 3 or 4 days, everyone's wearing full face masks when they come into your room anyway!

Having my gaming laptop and some good books really helped the time go by. Don't forget chargers and adapters for your electronics as these are not provided. They do provide a TV and console with one game but I never used it as I had all my own entertainment.

Most of the staff are lovely but you'll meet so many of them that you'll forget most of their names!

Easiest money I've made - over 5 grand to lie in bed for 16 days plus one follow-up visit. Payment is very quick, usually 2-3 working days after end of quarantine, and second payment after the follow-up visit.

Hopefully there will be another trial for me after a few months have passed, as I'd do it again for sure.

What a terrible company and service. One week before I was due to start my 16 night trial after making plans form the stay, I looked at reviews and saw that some room DO NOT have a window which I think it a complete joke and how is anyone expected to stay in a room for 16 nights with no window if you can't leave??! After requesting a window, I was advised theses are allocated at random and then I had an email advising my application had been withdrawn. Thank the lord.. Prison would have been better than this. AVOID!!!

Flucamp was very professional and efficient with a very high standard of care towards people participating in the trials. Food was lovely and all the staff were very polite, would definitely think about doing it again.

I had my first trial at the beginning of March and I was happy to hear that I got one of the best rooms. The view was great and the room setting was perfect for me to spend my time doing a painting. I heard that not all rooms are that nice which can make your stay during the trial not as pleasant as when you have the room full with windows, but if they do change the place it's great news. Food was good, a lot of variety and big portions. Plenty of snacks. TV with Netflix and Playstation with games keeps you entertained while staying there. Staff was very friendly, experienced and attentive. They make sure to call you before any appointment which is great. I would definitely come back if it's possible.

My first visit was on Friday 15th March I arrived quite early for my appointment as I had travelled quite a distance. The reception was very welcoming and I was the first person to be seen which was really good as it means I didn't need to wait around. From the first day I went I found everyone very professional, friendly and also they put you at ease. I would also like to say big thank you Madeline who has been really helpful in the process of claiming back my expenses.

The 2 weeks quarantine won't be for everyone, but for me I found it relaxing and generally enjoyable.

tl;dr, very good, go for it.

The virus I was given was a mild cold virus, and I only had mild symptoms lasting a few days, and no side effects from the test medicine.

The staff are very professional, and better trained than I have experienced on other clinical trials. They have specialised phlebotomists as well as nurses who take your blood, and all staff are polite, friendly, and are generally open to a brief chat during procedures.

The food was excellent, easily the highest standard I've seen on clinical trials. I gained about 1kg, whoops. Unfortunately, it was often delivered cold, and due to infection control generally can't be taken away to re-heat. I'm not sure whether they would allow you to bring a microwave into the room. The only exception to the high standard of the food was the Japanese meals. The ramen was bad; the noodles had been left too long after cooking so they were a congealed mess, and the broth was weak. The katsu curry was served with undercooked long grain rice and had a weak flavour.

For the first 2 days, the wifi was down, however when it was restored it was extremely fast - 300Mb/s download and upload on wifi.

I was able to work remotely without issue, although there were 2 days in which there were procedures every hour during the day. Other than that, there were only a few procedures throughout the day, so plenty of time to concentrate on work.

I was lucky enough to have a window with a nice view of central London, which helped massively. I understand their new facility in Canary Wharf will make nice views much more likely.

My negative criticism is:
>Cold food, no microwave
>Constantly having to ask for bottled water to be brought - seems like it would be more cost effective for flu camp to provide water coolers in each room, or just plumbed mains drinking water.
>Some nights where there is no 8 hour period without procedures means a good night's sleep is impossible
>Not being given a timetable of procedures means it's difficult to know when you can go for a shower etc
>They don't pay for travel for anything after the first visit, and only pay £20 inconvenience for follow-ups, which isn't even close to covering my train ticket. The disconnect between the recruitment department and the volunteer payments team makes this a more complex process than it should be. Other clinical trial providers are far more generous.
>It can be difficult to get information about test results and confirmation of a place on a trial from recruitment. They often tell you they can't give you any information, and that somebody else will call you back later that day, then that doesn't happen. You just have to be belligerent and keep calling until you get through to someone helpful.
>Some staff let the tube on the nasal wash to dangle after it's been in your nose which gets messy. Most staff ask you to hold it to avoid this.

The staff on the phones and at the facility were respectful and helpful, everyone I met was very kind and did a good job of making it all feel less weird. The preliminary process was a little onerous and expensive for someone travelling a long way to attend appointments but if you live nearer London or Manchester it will be easier. I was lucky enough to wangle a room with a window but was surprised to discover that only about a third of them have them, which seems a bit mad. However I was also told that the facility is moving to another building soon with many more windows. If this is the case, then I shall definitely return for another trial (if they'll have me), my experience was very relaxing, given the circumstances, the food was delicious, the pay, more so. Credit B. Rand.