Could a common nasal spray help block Covid-19? What a new study shows

"Amid the uncertainty surrounding eligibility for and access to the latest Covid-19 vaccine, a new study has found that a common nasal spray could help prevent infection. This randomized placebo-controlled trial examined the effectiveness of the nasal spray azelastine in preventing Covid-19 infection, as published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine on September 2. Researchers concluded that the chance of developing Covid-19 was about three times lower in the azelastine group compared with the placebo group."

"Azelastine nasal spray, also referred to as the brand names Astelin and Astepro, is an antihistamine used to relieve symptoms of allergies, including stuffy or runny nose, itching, and sneezing. The medication is approved for both seasonal allergic rhinitis and perennial allergic rhinitis. Seasonal allergic rhinitis is what most people think of as hay fever allergy symptoms that flare up at certain times of the year, usually in the spring, summer or fall, when pollen from trees, grasses or weeds is in the air."

Randomized placebo-controlled trial results published in JAMA Internal Medicine found the chance of developing Covid-19 was about three times lower in the azelastine group compared with the placebo group. Azelastine nasal spray, sold under brand names Astelin and Astepro, is an antihistamine approved for seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis and used to relieve stuffy or runny nose, itching, and sneezing. The medication received FDA approval in 1996 and is available in generic forms, requiring a physician's prescription. With coronavirus cases rising and questions about vaccine eligibility and access, consideration of additional preventive measures is warranted.

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