Certain medicines have become a go-to for common ails like coughs, colds, and migraines, and while they may have worked, the World Health Organization is recommending avoiding the use of ibuprofen to treat COVID-19 symptoms.
The statement was issued after French Health Minister Olivier Veran sent a tweet stating that anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and cortisone used to treat fever and body pain "could be an aggravating factor of the infection." He then suggested taking paracetamol instead if you have a fever, and to consult your doctor if you were prescribed with an anti-inflammatory drug beforehand.
Three days prior to the tweet, a study published in The Lancet journal suggested that taking anti-inflammatory drugs stimulate an enzyme that "increases the risk of developing severe and fatal COVID-19."
To address the concerns about ibuprofen, World Health Organization (WHO) spokesman Christian Lindmeier says that they are currently looking into the matter. "In the meantime, we recommend using paracetamol [instead], and do not use ibuprofen as a self-medication. That's important," the spokesman added.
However, Lindmeier says that those prescribed with anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen for their symptoms may decide for themselves whether to continue taking the drug.
In contrast, the Australian Department of Health dismissed this advice and recommended to continue taking the medication unless your situation suggests otherwise. "Over the counter anti-inflammatories, provided they are not contraindicated in particular individuals, may play a role in general symptomatic management of mild cases of COVID-19 disease," said the agency, according to 7 News.