WHO: NO to Ibuprofen, YES to Paracetamol?

Ibuprofen or Paracetamol?

Anyone who suspects they may have contracted the coronavirus should not take ibuprofen without consulting a doctor .

With these words, WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier, while providing a specific indication, did not directly clarify the link between anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and a potential increase in mortality rates. Indeed, it appears that no recent studies can demonstrate this, although scientists are nevertheless working to shed light on the matter. "We recommend using paracetamol, not ibuprofen or cortisone, for self-medication," Lindmeier specified, following the French health minister's recommendations last week. Oliver Véran , the minister in question, had in fact issued an initial warning. Taking anti-inflammatory drugs, based on ibuprofen or cortisone, against Covid-19 " could be an aggravating factor in the infection."

What about antibiotics?

In this regard, doubts about the use of certain drugs in the presence of a possible contagion are crowding into the minds of the population.

For example, one wonders: What happens between the Coronavirus and certain categories of drugs, such as antibiotics?

Francesco Menichetti , director of infectious diseases at the University of Pisa, provides essential answers on this matter.

Anyone taking prescribed antibiotics must continue to do so, strictly adhering to the instructions given. There is no evidence that taking them increases the risk of infection.

Antibiotic treatment, the director emphasizes, has no immunosuppressive effect. In other words, it's incorrect to claim that antibiotic use can " depress " the body, weakening its defenses. Furthermore, it's important to remember that antibiotics—which should always be taken only with a doctor's prescription— only work in the case of bacterial infections, not viral ones .