This would be something to add to the armamentarium besides the COVID vaccine.
Its certainly not recommended instead of it, Strauss tells Verywell.
Among these people, over 10,000 patients were using prescription nasal sprays before becoming infected with COVID-19.
Getty Images / Jennifer A Smith
Inhaled Steroids Could Have a Similar Effect
Inhaled corticosteroids work similarly to nasal sprays.
This medicationoften administered via devices like inhalerscan be used to treat pulmonary conditions like asthma and bronchitis.
Corticosteroids work by broadly suppressing inflammation where they are introduced.
Inhaled steroids, for instance, sooth inflammation in the lungs.
Minimizing hyperinflammation can limit serious illness in infected patients.
Corticosteroids may also block the virus from infecting cells.
According to theNational Institutes of Health, there is insufficient data to recommend the use of inhaled corticosteroids.
Should You Start Using a Nasal Spray?
But dont go running to the pharmacy for Flonase just yet, Singanayam says.
The same holds true for inhaled steroids.
You shouldnt be on inhaled steroids if you dont have asthma or COPD, Singanayam adds.
If not, it’s best not to start until clinical studies verify that they are safe and effective.
Health experts emphasize that vaccination is still the best way to protect yourself from serious COVID-19.
For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit ourcoronavirus news page.
Strauss R, Jawhari N, Attaway AH, et al.
2021;147(2):510-519.e5.
