Background
No randomised controlled trial has been successfully conducted during an influenza pandemic. The ASAP trial (Adjuvant Steroids in Adults with Pandemic Influenza) aims to use the novel strategy of set-up in advance of an influenza pandemic, and ‘hibernation’ in readiness for activation in a pandemic. Upon activation, the trial needs to recruit the first participant within 4 weeks, and to complete recruitment of 2200 participants within the first pandemic wave of approximately 6 weeks.