As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, which has claimed over 6 million lives, a ray of hope shines from research conducted by Cardiff University.
This study suggests that over-the-counter (OTC) cold and flu treatments, familiar to many, could safely and effectively manage mild COVID-19 symptoms at home.
Such a revelation could significantly ease the strain on hospital systems during times of high COVID-19 incidence.
Under the leadership of Ron Eccles, emeritus professor in the School of Biosciences, the research team has brought forward findings that medicines commonly used for cold and flu—encompassing pain relievers, fever reducers, decongestants, and cough suppressants—hold potential for managing mild COVID-19 infections despite their lack of official licensing for this purpose.
Published in the journal Clinical Infection in Practice, these insights could change the way mild COVID-19 symptoms are treated globally.
Professor Eccles explains that with the widespread exposure to the COVID-19 virus and the implementation of mass vaccination programs, for many, the disease now manifests as a milder illness, akin to a common cold or flu.
This milder form, according to the research, can be effectively treated at home using OTC cold and flu treatments. These medications can alleviate symptoms like fever, muscle aches, coughing, runny nose, sore throat, and nasal congestion, which overlap significantly with those of mild COVID-19.
The study brought together experts in respiratory viruses from Cardiff University, Université Laval in Quebec, the University of Hong Kong, the University of Utah, and the University of Missouri School of Medicine.
Through a comprehensive literature review and analysis of their databases, the team sought to verify the safety and effectiveness of OTC treatments for COVID-19 symptoms.
Their findings advocate for the use of OTC medications to relieve cold and flu-like symptoms associated with COVID-19.
Moreover, the research supports the idea that regulatory authorities should consider licensing these medications for treating COVID-19 symptoms, given their efficacy regardless of the viral cause.
An important aspect of the study addresses concerns around certain OTC medications, like ibuprofen, which some speculated could worsen COVID-19 outcomes.
The team’s analysis found no evidence to support this claim. On the contrary, recent studies suggest that ibuprofen might aid recovery by dampening the body’s inflammatory response to the virus.
This research underscores the importance of empowering individuals to manage mild COVID-19 symptoms safely and effectively at home, thus reserving hospital resources for more severe cases.
As the world moves forward, adapting to life with COVID-19, such studies offer valuable guidance for both the public and healthcare providers, ensuring that appropriate treatments are readily accessible for those recovering at home.
The research findings can be found in Clinical Infection in Practice.
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