It is important to take precautions to guard against Covid-19. It is not advisable to practice self-medication, because some drugs can be dangerous depending on your pathology. Indeed, Ibuprofen, for example, could be linked to the aggravating consequences of the new Coronavirus. 

Government warnings

The Minister of Health Olivier Véran declared on March 14, 2020, on the social network Twitter that “Taking anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, cortisone, etc.) could be a worsening factor for the infection”. Indeed, the doctors forwarded the information. Young patients with Covid-19 who took non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs have experienced severe symptoms. The French take Ibuprofen regularly to cope with pain or fever. Ibuprofen would be more effective than paracetamol, but more harmful for the body. 

What medicines contain ibuprofen?

Ibuprofen is present in many medicines. The best known are Advil, Nurofen or Spedifen. Ibuprofen works directly on pain to relieve people who have, for example, headaches or joint pain. It is best to avoid taking cortisone also, in the event of contamination by the new coronavirus.

Covid-19: why these drugs can be dangerous 

In fact, drugs that have a role anti-inflammatory hide them symptoms. Inflammation is the body’s normal response to infection. By masking the symptoms, the patients of coronavirus do not realize the seriousness of their condition. Consequently, it delays their awareness and therefore the emergency care. However, sick people who take daily Ibuprofen and who are infected with Covid-19 should not stop their treatment without medical advice.

The coronavirus and paracetamol

In the event of contamination by Covid-19, it is better to take paracetamol. It is an effective pain reliever in case of fever or headache. The analgesic reduces pain or eliminates it, thanks to its action on the brain. It is also antipyretic because it works against fever. However, it should not be abused and respect the daily doses. the paracetamol should not exceed 1 g per dose every 4 hours. You should not take more than 3 g per day. Do not hesitate to refer to the instructions for the medication, and to the advice of your doctor and pharmacist.

Rest 

If the first symptoms of the coronavirus appear and the infected person does not have difficulty breathing, rest is advised. In fact, more than 80% of people with coronavirus heal with rest and do not develop severe forms.

If symptoms of Covid-19 appear, such as cough, headache or diarrhea, you should call the doctor and not go to your doctor’s office. Loss of taste and smell as well as frostbite can also be part of clinical signs of Covid-19 and should lead to a call to the doctor. On the other hand, and only if a dyspnea (breathing difficulty) sets in, it is necessary call SAMU on 15.