UNCONFIRMED: DO NOT SHARE
CLAIM:
“There seems to be a link between severe cases of Covid19 affecting young people with no underlying illnesses and taking anti inflammatories.”
ANSWER:
There is no proven link.
The NHS currently says: “There is currently no strong evidence that ibuprofen can make coronavirus (COVID-19) worse.”
Further Information
A WhatsApp message claims to have been sent from someone working in the NHS stating that there is a link between severe cases of COVID-19 and taking anti-inflammatory medication like Ibuprofen, especially in young people with no underlying health conditions.
The NHS currently says: “There have been some news reports of anti-inflammatory painkillers, such as ibuprofen, making coronavirus worse. The Commission on Human Medicines has now confirmed there is no clear evidence that using ibuprofen to treat symptoms such as a high temperature makes coronavirus worse. You can take paracetamol or ibuprofen to treat symptoms of coronavirus. Try paracetamol first if you can, as it has fewer side effects than ibuprofen and is the safer choice for most people. Always follow the instructions that come with your medicine.”
Indeed, the UK Government’s ‘Commission on Human Medicines’ concluded in April 2020 that “there is currently insufficient evidence to establish a link between use of ibuprofen and susceptibility to contracting COVID-19 or the worsening of its symptoms.”
SOURCES
NHS: How to treat coronavirus symptoms at home
GOV.UK: Commission on Human Medicines advice on ibuprofen and coronavirus (COVID-19)
Origin of Claim
FULL TEXT OF CLAIM:
From an nhs colleague:
We have just been sent a medical alert that no one is to use anti inflammatories (eg I brufen, Voltarol, naproxen and there are others) for pain or high temperature. Use paracetamol instead. There seems to be a link between severe cases of covid19 affecting young people with no underlying illnesses and taking anti inflammatories. Initial reports started coming from French Drs on Friday. This has been confirmed by infectious diseases consultants here – there are 4 young people in ICU in Cork who have no underlying illnesses – all were taking anti inflammatories and there are concerns this has caused a more severe illness. We have been asked to spread the message. French tv and radio apparently broadcast the same warning today..
Pls pass on.
