As Viktor Maleev, adviser to the Research Institute of Epidemiology of Rospotrebnadzor, told RBC, effective means have not yet been created in the world and doctors use combinations of existing ones to treat coronavirus. The Ministry of Health specified which ones in the list of recommended drugs. These included hydroxychloroquine, interferon, lopinavir and ritonavir.
At the beginning of September, the Ministry of Health released the updated, eighth version of recommendations for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the new coronavirus infection COVID-19. Available infographics are published on the ministry’s website.
As experts note, the drugs umifenovir and recombinant interferon alpha (IFN-α) can be used to prevent coronavirus. After contact with someone infected with SARS-CoV-2, you should take hydroxychloroquine.
The material was commented on and checked by Natalya Valerievna Polenova, candidate of medical sciences, family doctor, cardiologist, pediatric cardiologist, nutritionist at GMS Clinic.
What we know about COVID-19
COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Discovered in China at the end of 2021, by May 15 it had infected 4.4 million people worldwide. Most of those with symptoms complain of fever, cough and difficulty breathing. Special medications and vaccines against COVID-19 have not yet been developed. However, virologist and head of the MIPT genome engineering laboratory Pavel Volchkov said that the first effective cure for coronavirus infection may appear in the fall.
In general, the Ministry of Health recommends the use of six drugs to treat coronavirus. these are favipiravir, remdesivir, umifenovir, hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin and interferon alfa.
Good antiviral drugs for influenza: how to choose
A special group should include medications that help the body resist the invasion of foreign agents. Many anti-virus drugs have a complex effect. In modern medicine, drugs containing nucleoside derivatives, adamantane, deoxyuridine, synthetic amino acids, pyrophosphate analogues, substances of plant origin and many other drugs are widely used.
The attending physician should prescribe treatment and select antiviral drugs, taking into account the age and condition of the patient.
Hydroxychloroquine and mefloquine
Doctors have been using drugs based on chloroquine for more than 70 years to treat malaria and autoimmune diseases (for example, systemic lupus erythematosus). Scientists have found that the active substance is also effective against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. In March, the Chinese holding Shanghai Pharmaceuticals provided Russia with the drug hydroxychloroquine (a derivative of chloroquine) for the treatment of COVID-19. The Ministry of Health did not identify any contraindications and allowed its use, donating more than 68 thousand packages to hospitals, despite the fact that hydroxychloroquine is not registered in Russia.
Scientists are still arguing about the validity of using hydroxychloroquine. Research by French infectious disease specialist Didier Raoult showed positive results. But the Associated Press published data from American studies. An analysis of medical records of patients treated with the drug showed that hydroxychloroquine was less effective than standard treatments.
In April, the Federal Medical and Biological Agency of the Russian Federation conducted clinical trials of mefloquine (an analogue of hydroxychloroquine approved in Russia). Scientists found out how effective and safe this antimalarial drug is. According to preliminary data from a study involving 347 patients, after using mefloquine, positive dynamics were noted in 78% of cases. The FMBA will provide its final conclusions at the end of May.
Lopinavir and ritonavir
A combination of antiviral drugs called kaletra is used to treat HIV. According to WHO, the use of the drug in combination with other medications is effective in the fight against coronavirus. At the end of January, the Ministry of Health included lopinavir with ritovinar in the list of drugs recommended for COVID-19 as antiviral therapy. As a result, the demand and sales of kaletra increased tenfold. Experts warn that uncontrolled use of the drug without a doctor's prescription can cause harm to health, including diarrhea and liver damage.
Chinese scientists have found that lopinavir and ritonavir are not effective in treating mild to moderate COVID-19. Taking medications does not improve the clinical picture; moreover, it may cause side effects. The experiment involved 86 patients, of which 34 people took a combination of lopinavir and ritonavir, and 17 patients did not receive any drugs. After two weeks, both groups showed similar results, but those taking the medications experienced side effects.
Antiviral drugs for influenza in global practice
According to the most conservative estimates, today the number of potential consumers of anti-virus drugs is hundreds of millions of people per year. At the same time, people have always tried to fight ARVI viruses, including in ancient times, when there were no diagnostic laboratories, humanity had not yet invented the microscope and did not know that the cause of their diseases were harmful viruses. However, as the ancient Roman physician and philosopher Claudius Galen said, the people were thirsty for medicine. And I received them. In ancient times, analogues of modern drugs - remedies in the form of tinctures and lotions - were widely and not always effectively used to treat viral diseases. The first effective antiviral drugs for colds and flu appeared only when scientists identified viruses and began serious work in the field of pharmacy.
Today, antiviral drugs are substances that have antiviral activity. Frequently used drugs for the treatment and prevention of acute respiratory viral infections and influenza include:
- Drugs of narrowly targeted action (act only on influenza);
- Broad-spectrum drugs (for example, interferon acts against more than 300 types of various acute respiratory viral infections and influenza);
- Symptomatic remedies (relieve symptoms of the disease, including fever, runny nose, aching joints, but do not act on the cause of the disease).
Remdesivir
Remdesivir is used to treat Ebola fever. Canadian scientists from the University of Alberta have found that the drug blocks the reproduction of coronavirus. Studies have proven the effectiveness of the antiviral agent in the treatment of MERS respiratory syndrome and SARS-CoV, the RNA structure of which is similar to coronavirus. Virologists obtained identical results in the case of SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, and concluded that remdesivir could be used for treatment. The New England Journal of Medicine also published the results of a study in which the use of the drug improved the condition of 68% of patients. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said in parliament on April 28 that he plans to authorize the use of remdesevir to treat COVID-19. In the United States, the drug was successfully tested, and on May 2, the Department of Sanitary Inspection issued an emergency permit for its use.
APN01
The Austrian biotechnology company APEIRON Biologics AG has begun clinical trials of the drug APN01, which was developed in the early 2000s. Scientists have discovered that the ACE2 protein, which is part of it, suppresses infections caused by viruses of the SARS group. It also helps protect the lungs during respiratory failure.
The authorities of Austria, Germany and Denmark agreed to conduct clinical trials of the drug. During the study, 200 patients with COVID-19 will receive APN01. Then virologists will evaluate the effect of the drug, and also analyze its effectiveness and safety for patients who require artificial ventilation.
Ribavirin
It is quite difficult to assess the effectiveness and safety of ribavirin. On the one hand, this drug inhibits the reproduction of the vast majority of viruses, on the other, the mechanism of action of ribavirin is not fully understood. At the end of January, the Ministry of Health recommended the use of this antiviral drug to treat coronavirus. It is prescribed to children for respiratory syncytial infection (a rare type of acute respiratory viral infection), which causes severe lung damage. The drug is used for severe influenza, for measles in children with immunodeficiency, and in combination with interferon ribavirin to treat viral hepatitis C.
However, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Alexander Chuchalin criticized the recommendations of the Ministry of Health. When prescribing the drug to adults, it is necessary to take into account its teratogenicity (threat of disruption of embryonic development), therefore ribavirin is strictly contraindicated during pregnancy. Despite the fact that the drug inhibits the reproduction of many viruses, it is very toxic and causes many side effects.
At the end of March, the Ministry of Health excluded ribavirin from the list of recommended drugs for the treatment of COVID-19.
The clinical manifestations of influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections are extremely similar; in almost 30% of the same patient, especially in the autumn-winter period, there is a mixed infection caused by various pathogens, so preference should be given to drugs that are effective regardless of the specific pathogen. Every doctor is faced with the problem of choosing a drug to treat a patient with ARVI and influenza.
Criteria for choosing an antiviral drug for influenza and ARVI:
- universality of action;
- possible combination of antiviral and immunomodulatory effects;
- no toxicity;
- minimum side effects;
- lack of viral resistance to the drug;
- oral administration (outpatient);
- affordability.
Currently, antiviral drugs of several groups are recommended for the treatment and prevention of influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections, including:
- neuraminidase inhibitors (oseltamivir, zanamivir, etc.);
- interferons (Alfaron, Grippferon, Ingaron, Viferon, etc.);
- interferon inducers (Cycloferon, Tiloron, Kagocel, etc.);
- umifenovir (Arbidol);
- Ingavirin;
- Anaferon, Ergoferon.
The ion channel blocker (Rimantadine, Algirem) that was used until recently for the treatment and prevention of influenza A should not be prescribed, since the vast majority of currently circulating strains of influenza viruses are resistant to it, and it does not act at all on pathogens of other acute respiratory viral infections.
Neuraminidase inhibitors - oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir (Relenza) are effective for the treatment of influenza (including pandemic) when prescribed no later than 24-48 hours from the onset of clinical symptoms of the disease (as practitioners are well aware, most patients seek medical help only for the second or third day from the onset of the disease), but should not be used for the treatment of other acute respiratory viral infections, since they have a selective effect exclusively on neuraminidase of the influenza virus
Prescribing Tamiflu for the prevention of influenza is not recommended in order to avoid the spread of influenza virus strains resistant to this drug, especially since they have already appeared. There are recommendations to use oseltamivir in combination with other antiviral drugs, interferon inducers, which will prevent a further increase in resistance and increase the effectiveness of treatment.
Regarding zanamivir, it should be noted that the drug is not suitable for widespread use in clinical practice, since it can only be used in the form of inhalations, which is unacceptable for preschool children and elderly patients. In addition, a number of adverse reactions are possible, including bronchospasm and laryngeal edema.
Neuraminidase inhibitors are not produced in the Russian Federation and are expensive. An alternative to them for the treatment of not only influenza, but also other acute respiratory viral infections are highly effective domestic drugs, in particular interferons (IFNs) and their inducers.
As is known, the production of IFN is the first line of cell defense against viral infection, significantly ahead of the synthesis of specific antibodies and other immune factors. Unlike antibodies, IFNs inhibit the intracellular stages of viral reproduction in infected cells and provide immunity to viruses in surrounding healthy cells. Getting from the gates of infection into the blood, IFNs are distributed throughout the body, preventing subsequent dissemination of viruses.
Antiviral properties are most characteristic of IFN-α and IFN-β, and IFN-γ has predominantly immunoregulatory and antiproliferative effects.
The relationship between the IFN system and influenza viruses has been studied in most detail. It has been established that the NS1 protein of the virus inhibits the production of IFN by infected cells, which contributes to the rapid progression of the infection. It is also known to suppress the protective effect of IFN during respiratory syncytial infection and some other acute respiratory viral infections. These facts served as the basis for the use of IFN drugs in the treatment and prevention of influenza and ARVI, and subsequently for the use of interferon inducers for this purpose.
In our country, domestic recombinant IFNs have found widespread use for the treatment and prevention of acute respiratory viral infections, including influenza: Alfaron, Grippferon, Ingaron (the listed drugs are used in the form of nasal drops), as well as Viferon (gel, ointment, suppositories), etc.
A new generation of drugs includes interferon inducers (IIs), which have not only broad antiviral properties, but also an immunomodulatory effect.
Interferon inducers have a number of advantages over IFNs themselves: they are slightly allergenic, do not lead to the formation of antibodies to IFN, and stimulate the body’s prolonged production of its own interferon, sufficient to achieve therapeutic and preventive effects. In addition, AIs combine well with antibiotics, immunomodulators, antiviral and symptomatic agents used in the complex treatment of influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections. Viral resistance does not develop to interferon inducers.
All the most well-known AIs (Tiloron, Cycloferon, Kagocel, Neovir, etc.) were developed by domestic scientists. The effectiveness of AI in the treatment and prevention of influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections, regardless of the specific etiological agent, has been convincingly established using the example of Kagocel, the latest generation drug among AI inducers.
Multicenter randomized, blind, placebo-controlled clinical studies of the effectiveness and safety of the drug Kagocel in adults for the treatment of influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections, as well as for their prevention, were conducted at the clinical sites of the country's leading research institutes: Influenza Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences (St. Petersburg), Scientific Research Institute Virology named after. D.I. Ivanovsky RAMS (Moscow) and the Military Medical Academy named after. S. M. Kirova (St. Petersburg) in 2000–2003.
Analysis of the results of the research allowed us to formulate the following provisions.
Kagocel, when used within 96 hours from the onset of the disease, has a pronounced therapeutic effect in uncomplicated influenza caused by viruses A (H1N1), A (H3N2) and B, as well as in influenza complicated by bacterial tonsillitis, and other acute respiratory viral infections (parainfluenza, adenoviral disease), which manifests itself in a reduction in the febrile period, shortening and mitigation of symptoms of intoxication in almost 90% of patients. According to clinical and laboratory data (clinical blood and urine analysis, biochemical blood test) data, Kagocel does not cause adverse or toxic reactions, and does not have an immunosuppressive effect on indicators of humoral and cellular immunity.
All this made it possible to recommend Kagocel as an antiviral drug for influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections in adults, as well as to use it in complex treatment for secondary bacterial complications that have developed against the background of a viral infection [18–20]. For the treatment of patients with influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections, including those complicated by a bacterial infection, the following regimen for using Kagocel is recommended for adults: 2 tablets 3 times a day for the first 2 days, in the next 2 days - 1 tablet 3 times a day
Subsequently, Kagocel was successfully used and is currently used for the treatment of patients with various acute respiratory viral infections, including influenza, both in outpatient clinical practice and in hospitals.
For everyday clinical practice, it is significant that, unlike other antiviral drugs, Kagocel is effective even when used relatively late - up to the 4th day from the onset of the disease.
In 2015, the interim results of a non-interventional observational study were presented, in which for the first time, in outpatient practice, the treatment of ARVI and influenza of a large number of adult patients (14,431) from 202 medical centers in several countries (Russia, Armenia, Moldova, Georgia) was analyzed. The effectiveness of the drug Kagocel has been shown in dynamics, regardless of the time of administration of therapy, including in elderly people.
As is known, the incidence of ARVI and influenza in children is 3–4 times higher than that in adults. In this regard, the proven effectiveness and safety of using Kagocel in children over three years of age is of particular importance. Noting the effectiveness of Kagocel compared to placebo for ARVI in children, regardless of the etiology of the disease and the presence of complications, the researchers emphasize the absence of side effects and the good tolerability of the drug. Their recommendation for the use of Kagocel in pediatric practice for the treatment of influenza and ARVI in children from 3 years of age was justified. Thus, a new domestic drug, the interferon inducer Kagocel, is a highly effective remedy for the treatment and prevention of acute respiratory viral infections and influenza caused by various types and strains of the virus, including pandemic ones. For preventive purposes, it is advisable to prescribe Kagocel scheduledly during the seasonal rise in the incidence of influenza and ARVI, as well as urgently, immediately after contact with patients.
The antiviral drug Kagocel is included in the standards of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation for the treatment of moderate and severe forms of influenza in adults, as well as in the list of vital and essential drugs in Russia and the federal reserve stock.
Kagocel as an antiviral drug, along with umifenovir (better known as Arbidol) and pentanedioic acid imidazolethanomide (known to practitioners as Ingavirin), is indicated in the latest recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of influenza in adult patients.
Less known to practitioners is the new, also domestic drug Ergoferon, with a combined mechanism of action: antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antihistamine.
The triple effect of Ergoferon is ensured by its constituent affinity-purified antibodies to IFN-γ, CD4 lymphocytes and histamine.
The antiviral effect of Ergoferon is carried out primarily by increasing the production of IFN-α and γ; anti-inflammatory - due to the regulation of the infectious-inflammatory process, reducing swelling and hyperemia; antihistamine - due to the effect on peripheral and central H1 receptors. The effect of Ergoferon on α- and γ-IFN, in combination with the activation of virus recognition by the CD4 system, provides a powerful antiviral effect comparable to oseltamivir. The active ingredients of Ergoferon are presented in ultra-low doses, which ensures good tolerability and high safety indicators of the drug.
In an in vitro experimental model caused by respiratory syncytial virus, rhinovirus, as well as bronchial asthma complicated by rhinovirus infection, the antiviral activity of Ergoferon was established. In 2011–2012 A multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial of the effectiveness and safety of Ergoferon in the treatment of influenza and ARVI in adult patients was conducted. Ergoferon was prescribed according to the following scheme: on the first day of treatment, 8 tablets (in the first 2 hours, 1 tablet every 30 minutes, then 3 more times, 1 tablet at regular intervals), from the second to the fifth day, the drug was used 1 tablet 3 times a day. day.
Rapid relief of fever, intoxication, and catarrhal symptoms of influenza and acute respiratory viral infections has been established, with maximum effectiveness noted with early initiation of therapy (in the first 24 hours from the onset of the disease). It is significant that Ergoferon practically reduces the need to prescribe antipyretics, starting from the first day of therapy. At the same time, Ergoferon, even with late treatment, helps prevent bacterial complications that require antibiotics.
The drug Ergoferon has a high safety profile combined with good tolerability.
Pulmonologists, therapists, and infectious disease specialists are well aware that acute respiratory viral infections are the most common cause of exacerbation of chronic lung diseases. Despite the fact that 90–95% of upper respiratory tract infections are caused by viruses, in 75% of cases of acute respiratory viral infection treatment in outpatient settings, antibiotics are unjustifiably prescribed. Meanwhile, in accordance with modern standards of treatment of respiratory viral infections, a patient suffering from chronic respiratory pathology should be prescribed etiotropic therapy with antiviral drugs from the first hours of the disease. In addition, in this category of patients, taking into account the severity of the background pathology, it is necessary to begin anti-inflammatory treatment at an early stage.
The clinical effectiveness of Ergoferon in the treatment of ARVI in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma was studied in a comparative randomized clinical trial in parallel groups, conducted at the allergy department of the 57th City Clinical Hospital of Moscow in November 2011 - March 2012. The study included 66 hospitalized patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, aged from 19 to 75 years (average age 43.2 ± 8.2 years) with ARVI symptoms (fever, signs of intoxication and catarrhal syndromes). The study showed that in patients using Ergoferon for the treatment of ARVI, the relief of the main catarrhal and general intoxication manifestations of ARVI occurred much faster than in those who did not take this drug, and there was no need to prescribe antibiotics. There were no allergic reactions or other side effects when taking Ergoferon, which is important for patients of this profile. In the conclusions from the study, the author emphasizes the good tolerability and high effectiveness of Ergoferon in allergy patients, which makes its use a promising direction in the treatment of ARVI in the clinic of respiratory diseases.
Ergoferon has virtually no contraindications and is combined with all symptomatic and antibacterial drugs that are used in the treatment of influenza and ARVI. The effect of treatment occurs quickly, and the complex action of Ergoferon corresponds to modern principles of therapy for influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections.
Another interesting study was conducted that demonstrated the effectiveness of Ergoferon in the complex treatment of community-acquired pneumonia as a complication of ARVI.
It is worth saying a few words about studying the effectiveness and safety of Ergoferon in elderly and old patients. In 2013, the results of a clinical study of the effectiveness and safety of Ergoferon for the treatment of ARVI in patients aged 60 to 83 years were published, demonstrating the feasibility of prescribing Ergoferon to patients in these age groups. Thus, the new domestic original drug Ergoferon is indicated for the treatment of influenza and acute respiratory viral infections in patients of various ages, including those with chronic respiratory diseases and a history of severe allergies.
So, in the upcoming epidemic season of 2015–2016, characterized by the social circulation of various types and subtypes of influenza virus, the emergence of new pathogens of acute respiratory viral infections, domestic healthcare has the vaccines and antiviral drugs necessary for prevention and treatment.
Ivermectin
Australian scientists from Monash University and the Royal Melbourne Hospital have discovered an antiparasitic agent that virtually destroys the SARS-CoV-2 virus within 48 hours, reducing its presence by 99%. According to researchers, the use of ivermectin will help avoid severe complications of COVID-19, as well as prevent the spread of the virus. During the experiments, ivermectin was added to cells infected with SARS-CoV-2. After 24 hours, the proportion of viral RNAs decreased by 93%, and after 48 hours, the presence of the virus decreased by 99%.
A single treatment with ivermectin can reduce the virus by 5 thousand times in 48 hours, scientists say. The drug is approved by WHO.
Nelfinavir
Nelfinavir is used in combination with other antiviral drugs to treat HIV. The study was carried out by Japanese scientists. According to the data obtained, the drug is able to block the reproduction of SARS-CoV-2. Virologists studied nine similar drugs and found that nelfinavir is effective even in small doses. Therefore, it is recommended to include it in the list of potentially effective drugs for the treatment of COVID-19.
What to do while there is no vaccine
- wear medical masks when visiting public places;
- on the street and in crowded places, maintain a distance of at least 1.5 m from others;
- avoid contact with people who have been exposed to the virus;
- stay at home if possible;
- wash your hands thoroughly with soap;
- use a disinfectant with an alcohol content of at least 60%;
- do not touch your face;
- monitor hygiene in the house.
Features of infection and symptoms
Most often, the development of acute respiratory infections occurs against the background of infection with viruses or bacteria. The infection is transmitted by airborne droplets or by contact when in public places or when personal hygiene rules are not observed. Once on the mucous membranes of the respiratory system, pathogens multiply and cause unpleasant symptoms against a background of general malaise.
Pronounced signs of acute respiratory infections usually appear a couple of days after infection. This:
- A sore throat.
- Sneezing.
- Headache.
- Loss of appetite.
- Runny or stuffy nose.
Treatment should begin when the first symptoms appear. ARI at the initial stage of development can be successfully treated with modern medications. Otherwise, the intensity of the symptoms will increase, in addition, the body temperature will rise, fever will occur, and the lymph nodes will enlarge, which will lead to a deterioration in the general condition. Against this background, there are risks of developing complications and the need for treatment in a hospital setting.
Expert commentary
What medications, besides antiviral drugs and antibiotics, are recommended for the treatment of COVID-19 by the Russian Ministry of Health?
According to the eighth version of the resolution “Prevention, diagnosis and treatment of new coronavirus infection (COVID-19)” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, patients infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus should receive pathogenetic and supportive symptomatic therapy if necessary. The first group of drugs includes, first of all: glucocorticosteroids (GCS), interleukin inhibitors (tocilizumab, canakinumab), anticoagulants (enoxaparin, fraxiparin).
Glucocorticosteroids are able to prevent the release of cytokines, substances responsible for the development of a violent inflammatory reaction, which can lead to a very dangerous complication “cytokine storm”. GCS may be useful in the treatment of severe forms of COVID-19 to prevent irreversible tissue damage and uncontrolled multiple organ failure.
It should be noted that for mild to moderate severity of the disease, that is, for patients not receiving oxygen, GCS are not indicated. So there is not the slightest need to buy hormones from pharmacies for use at home.
Drugs from the group of cytokine inhibitors are used when the lung parenchyma is damaged by more than 50%, that is, stage CT-3, CT-4 in combination with signs of increasing intoxication: long-term fever, very high levels of inflammatory markers in the blood.
In groups of patients at high risk of thrombus formation, for the prevention of so-called coagulopathies, it is advisable to prescribe anticoagulants used subcutaneously. Evidence of the effectiveness of oral anticoagulants for COVID-19 is not yet sufficient, however, if the patient was taking them before the disease, the drug should be continued until then. High-risk groups include patients with cardiovascular pathology, diabetes, and obesity.
How is symptomatic treatment of coronavirus carried out?
Drugs for symptomatic treatment of COVID-19 include antipyretic drugs, antitussive drugs that improve sputum discharge. Paracetamol is recognized as the safest antipyretic drug.
There is no need to wait until a certain level of fever is reached before using an antipyretic drug. In the presence of headache and muscle pain, poor tolerance to symptoms of intoxication and fever, it is possible to use drugs even at a relatively low body temperature.
What can you take to prevent coronavirus?
The most important characteristics of a diet that helps strengthen the immune system are: adequate daily calorie intake, sufficient intake of protein and a number of micronutrients, especially vitamin C, D, A, iron and zinc, increased intake of dietary fiber and, if necessary, probiotics, maintaining water balance. According to the clinical recommendations of the Russian Association of Endocrinologists, to prevent vitamin D deficiency in adults aged 18-50 years, it is recommended to receive at least 600-800 IU of the vitamin per day. People over 50 years old - at least 800-1000 IU of vitamin D per day.
There are some indirect indications of zinc's potential antiviral effect against COVID-19, although their biomedical relevance remains to be explored. Based on recent data on the clinical course of the disease, it appears that zinc may have protective effects against COVID-19 by reducing the incidence of pneumonia, preventing ventilator-induced lung injury, and improving antibacterial and antiviral immunity, especially in older adults.
Ascorbic acid (vitamin C, AA) takes part in such vital physiological processes as hormone production, collagen synthesis, stimulation of the immune system, etc. The latter effect can be due to both the direct antiviral effect of AA and its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
When should you use an antiviral drug for influenza and acute respiratory viral infections, and do doctors recommend this?
Many people, under the influence of certain media, are sure that there is no point in taking medications for ARVI. After all, as the old proverb says, a cold goes away in a week without treatment, and in seven days with treatment. This means that this disease can be survived without medication. However, unfortunately, statistics speak of disappointing facts. According to the World Health Organization, up to 650 thousand people die annually from respiratory diseases associated with seasonal influenza infection.v Not everyone knows that influenza infection and colds can negatively affect the heart. This reduces the average life expectancy by several years.vi After a severe course of ARVI, serious damage to the respiratory system, including pneumonia, is often diagnosed. Also, after acute respiratory viral infections, diseases of the blood vessels and the central nervous system are often detected.
Therefore, the main argument in favor of taking anti-viral medications is the need to reduce the high risks that accompany influenza infection. The second reason is due to the fact that timely and adequate treatment shortens the duration of the disease and weakens its symptoms. If you take a good flu antiviral when you develop symptoms of influenza infection and colds, you may experience a shorter period of runny nose, headaches, and fever.
