Astelin Nasal Spray Useful To Block Covid and Colds?

Photo courtesy of macrovector http://www.freepik.com"

Many common airborne respiratory viruses enter the body via the upper airway, where they can quickly begin replicating. This starts before we have our first symptom. Regular use of saline nasal irrigation several times a day has been used to physically wash out viruses and reduce the risk of active viral respiratory infections. Related, initiating saline sinus and nasal irrigation at the first sign of upper respiratory tract infection may help decrease your illness severity and duration.

A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine this week explored a novel strategy. In this randomized trial, approximately 450 healthy volunteers were followed for a year. Half used an over-the-counter nasal antihistamine spray (Azelastine, the generic form of Astelin) three times daily, while the other half used a placebo nasal spray at the same frequency. Results showed that only 2.2% of azelastine users developed COVID-19 infections, compared to over three times that rate in the placebo group. There was also a significant reduction in rhinovirus (common cold) infections: 1.8% in the Azelastine group versus 6.3% in the placebo group.

While common sense standard preventive measures—such as minimizing exposure, staying up to date on vaccines, and avoiding touching the face—remain foundational, this study suggests that regular use of a nasal antihistamine spray may be an additional tool to help reduce the risk of certain respiratory viral infections.

References:

• JAMA Internal Medicine, September 2, 2023 – Azelastine Nasal Spray Study