A study, recently published in the journal Anesthesia and Analgesia, suggests that taking low doses of aspirin can alleviate the severity of the coronavirus infection. However, before we reach for the pill, let’s take a look at the facts.
- An American study shows that people with COVID-19 who took aspirin were 43 percent. less likely to be admitted to the intensive care unit
- This study shows a correlation, not a cause-and-effect relationship
- Aspirin reduces the risk of blood clotting, so doctors recommend it to people after a heart attack
- Laboratory studies have not conclusively proven that aspirin is antiviral
- You can find more about the coronavirus on the TvoiLokony home page
Aspirin and COVID-19
In a study by Dr. Jonathan H. Chow, an anesthesiologist at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, enrolled 412 patients hospitalized for COVID-19. Almost a quarter (23,7%) took aspirin in the seven days before admission to hospital and 24 hours after admission. Doctors found that those who received aspirin were 43 percent. less likely to be admitted to the intensive care unit, by 44 percent. they required a respirator less often, and the probability of dying in hospital was lower by as much as 47 percent.
Before we start taking aspirin preventively, we need to be aware of the limitations of this study. It only shows a correlation, not a cause-and-effect relationship. Even repetitive correlation does not imply causation. Let’s take an example: Kim Kardashian’s rise in popularity in 2010 correlated with gains in the stock market. Does this mean that Kim Kardashian had an impact on these increases? Not necessarily. Just because two things happened at once doesn’t mean that one caused the other.
It is possible that people taking aspirin looked after their health in many ways and visited their doctors regularly. And the test results can also be pure coincidence. This must be taken into account when we argue that aspirin can alleviate the severe course of COVID-19.
Aspirin can soothe inflammation and reduce the risk of blood clotting
Coronavirus can infect the respiratory tract, causing a variety of problems. In the case of SARS-CoV-2, our immune system is like a virgin – it has never dealt with this virus before and does not know how to respond. It can overreact, releasing a number of chemicals that will lead to ‘premature inflammation’, clumping of platelets and the formation of clots. Studies have shown that patients with severe COVID-19 can form clots that can cause a stroke, for example.
- The editorial board recommends: Why do COVID-19 patients die of heart attacks, strokes and congestion?
These findings led to the conclusion that blood thinners and anticoagulants could help prevent complications in severe COVID-19. These include aspirin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). ASA can reduce inflammation, “clean” platelets and make them less sticky, and it can reduce the risk of blood clotting. This is why doctors advise people after a heart attack to take aspirin every day to prevent another.
Additionally, laboratory studies suggest that aspirin may have some antiviral activity. ASA can damage DNA and RNA viruses, including various human coronaviruses. Of course, this happens in the laboratory, and it doesn’t have to be in the real world. Laboratory studies have not conclusively proven that aspirin is antiviral.
Besides, aspirin can have side effects, less than the blood-thinning heparin, but still. It should not be considered a snack as taking too much aspirin can cause bleeding, stomach problems and allergic reactions. In children, it can damage the liver and brain when they suffer, for example, from Reye’s syndrome. Therefore, before we start taking aspirin regularly, we need to consult a doctor.
Are you infected with the coronavirus or someone close to you has COVID-19? Or maybe you work in the health service? Would you like to share your story or report any irregularities that you have witnessed or affected? Write to us at: [email protected]. We guarantee anonymity!
Although the results of the study by Dr. Chows are encouraging, aspirin is not a panacea for coronavirus. And taking it does not exempt from the use of preventive measures, such as social distancing and masks.
The editorial board recommends:
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- Dr Artur Szewczyk: The coronavirus collapses like Tyson, you drop out for at least 10 days, and your shifts remain vacant. The doctor talks about working at the emergency department during the pandemic
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