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    Tuesday, March 17, 2020

    France Health Ministry: Ibuprofen May Aggravate Coronavirus

    Anti-inflammatory drugs can "dampen down the immune system, which may slow the recovery process", says a UK virologist.
    A warning about ibuprofen's effect on COVID-19 symptoms has triggered a debate about whether paracetamol is safer for people with the disease.

    Painkillers are running low on many supermarket shelves as coronavirus cases in the UK pass 1,900 and the government warns people they may have to isolate for two weeks.

    But French health minister Olivier Veran - a qualified neurologist - has warned ibuprofen and other medicines known as Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) could make things worse.
    He tweeted: "Taking anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, cortisone, etc.) may be a factor in worsening the infection.

    "If you have a fever, take paracetamol. If you are already on anti-inflammatory drugs or if in doubt, ask your doctor for advice."

    Professor Ian Jones, virologist at the University of Reading, said anti-inflammatory drugs "dampen down the immune system, which may slow the recovery process".

    Initially, Public Health England (PHE) said there was no conclusive evidence that taking ibuprofen is harmful for respiratory infections.
    It said most people with coronavirus have mild illnesses and some may need to take paracetamol or ibuprofen to help with raised temperature, headache and other pains.

    Patients who have been prescribed ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory drugs for long-term health problems should continue to take them, PHE advised.

    But the NHS later scrapped guidance telling those self-isolating they could "take everyday painkillers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen".

    It now says there is "no strong evidence that ibuprofen can make coronavirus worse" but "until we have more information, take paracetamol" unless a doctor says otherwise or you are already taking ibuprofen or another NSAID on the advice of medics.
    Other experts have said people with symptoms of the virus are better off choosing paracetamol.

    Dr Tom Wingfield, senior lecturer and consultant physician at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, said paracetamol was "preferred" because it is less likely to cause side effects.

    "Side effects associated with NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, especially if taken regularly for a prolonged period, are stomach irritation and stress on the kidneys, which can be more severe in people who already have stomach or kidney issues," said Dr Wingfield.

    "It is not clear from the French minister's comments whether the advice given is generic 'good practice' guidance or specifically related to data emerging from cases of COVID-19, but this might become clear in due course."

    Dr Charlotte Warren-Gash, associate professor of epidemiology at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, called for more research into the effects of anti-inflammatory drugs on people with underlying health conditions.

    "In the meantime, for treating symptoms such as fever and sore throat, it seems sensible to stick to paracetamol as first choice," she said.
    What is the latest coronavirus advice?

    If you live alone and have a high temperature or a new and continuous cough, you should self-isolate for seven days
    If you live in a household with others and have a high temperature or a new and continuous cough, both yourself and all others in your household should stay isolated together for 14 days.

    Everyone, including if you are not displaying symptoms yourself and live in a household where no one is displaying symptoms, should stop all unnecessary contact with others and all unnecessary travel
    You should work from home where possible and avoid venues such as pubs, clubs, theatres and restaurants.

    Pay particular attention to the advice if you are over 70, pregnant, have underlying health problems or live in London
    Don't call the NHS 111 helpline if you have mild or moderate illness and instead seek advice online. But do call if your illness becomes more severe.
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