New research has discovered potentially alternative methods Prevents Covid-19.
Researchers at the University of Sarland in Germany conducted a clinical trial that found that nasal sprays could reduce the risk of coronavirus infection by two-thirds.
Phase 2 studyIt was published in Jama Internal Medicine and was held at Saarland University Hospital from March 2023 to July 2024.
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450 healthy adult participants were randomly assigned to receive either an azelastine nasal spray or a placebo three times a day for 56 days.
Researchers conducted SARS-COV-2 rapid antigen tests twice a week to diagnose infection. Those with symptoms but received negative antigen test results received multiple PCR tests Respiratory virus.
Of the 227 individuals who received azelastine nasal spray, the proportion of confirmed COVID infections was “significantly low” at 2.2%, compared to 6.7% in the placebo group.
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The researchers also noted an increase in the pre-infection period in people taking azelastine. In these patients, drug therapy has a lower incidence of confirmed symptomatic infections in PCR and fewer confirmed rhinovirus infections ( cold).
“In this single-centered test, Azelastine Nasal Spray “It was associated with a reduced risk of SARS-COV-2 respiratory infection,” the researchers wrote.
A press release from the University of Saarand said azelastine is available as an over-the-counter treatment for hay fever and has previously been suggested to have COVID and other antiviral effects. Respiratory virus.
Professor Robert Balz, director of internal medicine at Saarland University Medical Center, commented in a statement that he demonstrated the effects of azelastine in “real world settings.”
“Azelastine nasal sprays can provide additional, easily accessible prevention to complement existing protective measures, particularly in vulnerable groups. Infection rate Or before he traveled, he continued.
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“Our results continue to investigate the use of azelastine nasal spray as an on-demand preventive treatment, highlighting the need for larger multicenter trials to investigate its potential efficacy against other respiratory pathogens.”
Fox News Digital has requested the researchers for comment.
