New advice has just been issued on whether you should take ibuprofen when you have symptoms of the new coronavirus Covid-19 in the UK.
At the start of the outbreak rumours spread that taking the common painkiller if you have symptoms of the disease - including a persistent dry cough and a fever - could make it worse.
The message was spread after some foreign Government ministers advised people to stick to paracetamol.
Now the UK Government has issued its advice on ibuprofen and Covid-19.
The UK's Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) has concluded that there is insufficient evidence that taking ibuprofen increases the risk of catching Covid-19 or worsening its symptoms, reports HullLive.
The CHM has concluded that patients can take both paracetamol and ibuprofen to treat certain coronavirus symptoms.
An update released on the Government’s website reads: “The Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) Expert Working Group on coronavirus has concluded that there is currently insufficient evidence to establish a link between use of ibuprofen, or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and susceptibility to contracting Covid-19 or the worsening of its symptoms.
“Patients can take paracetamol or ibuprofen when self-medicating for symptoms of Covid-19, such as fever and headache, and should follow NHS advice if they have any questions or if symptoms get worse.”
French health minister Oliver Veran suggested in a tweet earlier this year that patients who have a fever should take paracetamol.
He said: “Taking anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, cortisone, etc) may be a factor in worsening the infection.
“If you have a fever, take paracetamol. If you are already on anti-inflammatory drugs or if in doubt, ask your doctor for advice.”
Other experts in Britain also suggested paracetamol was the “preferred” and “first-choice” option to relieve symptoms, saying ibuprofen may slow the recovery process.
