Nasal steroid sprays can battle COVID-19 by blocking the virus from getting into your body and making you seriously sick.
Why do nasal steroids block COVID-19 infection?
A study by Cleveland Clinic looked at 80,000 people who tested positive for COVID-19. They found the chances of being hospitalized, suffering serious complications or dying of COVID-19 was 20 to 25 % less in the group already using steroid nasal sprays to treat allergies and congestion.
Nasal sprays are medicines that are sprayed or inhaled into the nose to help with allergy relief from stuffy nose, congestion, and cough. There are many types of nasal sprays designed with special ingredients to make you sniff less and breath better that may contain antihistamines (antiallergy), steroids (anti-inflammatory), saline (salt based), or decongestants.
The nose is the “major, “portal of entry of COVID-19, and is our first line of defense in fighting against infection. The number of viral particles in the nose directly impacts its ability to spread infection. In other words, the more COVID-19 virus particles in the nose, the greater chance of getting sick.
Nasal sprays can be purchased over the counter or by prescription. Common brands of nasal steroid sprays are Flonase or Nasonex. Steroid sprays reduce the risk of getting a serious COVID-19 infection by blocking the spread of viral particles through a special receptor (called ACE2) in the nose.
A recent study also showed a similar COVID-19 blocking effects using the nasal spray Azelastine, an antihistamine, that not only stopped people from getting COVID-19 and testing positive but also showed benefit in reducing the chances of getting sick with the common cold (rhinovirus).
Are there other nasal sprays that block COVID-19 or other cold infections?
Azelastine nose spray, an antihistamine, can be used instead of steroid nasal sprays and has similar COVID-19 blocking properties says a recent study. People who used it on a regular basis had a 70 % less chance of testing positive with COVID-19 than people who did not. Azelastine and steroid nasal sprays are used in people with allergies or allergic rhinitis, an inflammatory condition of the nasal passages that happens in response to allergens like pollen or dust mites.
Another safe option to battle the common cold is saline or salt solution based nasal sprays and gel-based nasal sprays (Vicks-First Defense). Both sprays helped reduce symptoms and the need for antibiotics as people with colds got better faster. The saline nasal spray works by “washing out cold viruses,” and the gel-based by trapping the cold virus particles in the nose and neutralizing them. It’s recommended in Europe to start a nasal spray at the first sign of a cold. It’s an easy and safe way to stop a cold or flu or at least lessen the symptoms and speed up recovery.
Any final advice on steroid nasal sprays and COVID-19?
Steroid nasal sprays like Nasonex or Flonase can be safe and effective options to combat COVID-19. They work by “washing out the virus,” or blocking its entry into the nasal passage reducing our chances of spreading infection and getting seriously sick.
In fact, systemic (total body) steroids are medications used to treat serious COVID-19 infections, and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends systemic steroids as a life-saving medication in patients with severe COVID-19 infection. Whether steroid nasal spray can be used to treat or prevent COVID-19 infections (like systemic steroids) is unknown and cannot be recommended at this time but if you are already taking a nasal steroid spray and get COVID-19 it may help battle the infection better.
There is also no scientific evidence to support using steroid nasal sprays to treat a common cold with concerns it may weaken our immune system. That said, the consensus is if you are already taking a steroid nasal spray and get a cold or flu continue it as likely will not hurt you (as the dose of steroid is low) and may help with symptom relief of a cough or running nose.
If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 or test positive for COVID-19 continuing your nasal steroid spray may reduce the chances of being hospitalized, getting severe COVID-19, and dying. The good news is no prescription is needed and is available over the counter (OTC) at your local supermarket or pharmacy. It’s important to check with your doctor before starting any new medication to be sure it is right for you.
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