COVID-19 – Ibuprofen Concerns – BBC Reality Check

The BBC Reality Check service have published several “myth-busting” items addressing rumours, theories, misunderstandings and downright falsehoods currently circulating due to concern and anxiety about COVID-19.

These include a potentially helpful article on the concerns about the possible impact of NSAIDs. The BBC report includes the following:

• Although we don’t yet know whether ibuprofen has a particular effect on the severity or length of illnesses caused by coronavirus – either in healthy people or those with underlying conditions – Dr Charlotte Warren-Gash, of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, says, especially for vulnerable patients, “it seems sensible to stick to paracetamol as first choice“.
• Prof Parastou Donyai at the University of Reading says: “There are many studies that suggest ibuprofen use during a respiratory infection can result in worsening of the disease or other complications.” But, she says, “I have not seen any scientific evidence that clearly shows a totally healthy 25 year old taking ibuprofen for symptoms of COVID-19 is putting themselves at additional risk of complications.”