New Nasal Spray Shows Promise for Reducing COVID-19 Risk
A recent study from Saarland University in Germany has revealed an exciting development in the fight against COVID-19. Researchers found that a nasal spray called azelastine may lower the risk of contracting the virus by up to two-thirds.
The study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, took place from March 2023 to July 2024 at Saarland University Hospital. It involved 450 healthy adult participants who were randomly assigned to use either the azelastine nasal spray or a placebo three times a day for 56 days.
To track infections, the researchers performed rapid antigen tests for the SARS-CoV-2 virus twice a week. Participants who showed symptoms but tested negative underwent additional PCR tests.
Among those who used the nasal spray, only 2.2% confirmed they had COVID-19, compared to 6.7% in the placebo group. Additionally, those using azelastine experienced a longer delay before infection, fewer symptomatic infections, and a reduced number of cases of rhinovirus, the primary cause of the common cold.
The researchers noted, “In this single-center trial, azelastine nasal spray was associated with a reduced risk of SARS-CoV-2 respiratory infections.” Azelastine is already available over-the-counter for treating hay fever and has previously been suggested as a potential treatment against COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses.
Professor Robert Bals, who led the trial, emphasized that these findings show azelastine’s effectiveness in real-world scenarios. He noted, “Azelastine nasal spray could provide an additional, easily accessible option to support existing protective measures, especially for those at higher risk during outbreaks or when traveling.”
The researchers are now calling for larger studies to further investigate the use of azelastine as a preventive treatment and its effectiveness against various respiratory viruses.
This promising research brings hope for additional protective methods against COVID-19, especially as the threat of infection remains.
