PSA: coronavirus and NSAIDs

[redbird]

The French minister of health is advising people who have, or think they have, coronavirus to avoid anti-inflammatory drugs because they can reduce the body's immune response. So, if you need/want to reduce a fever, he advises paracetemol (=acetominophen = Tylenol). What the article doesn't mention is that it's often better not to reduce a relatively mild fever, because the fever is part of how the body fights infections.

I tend to be a bit nervous about acetominophen, because it's relatively easy to take more than is safe while thinking you're following the package instructions. So, the standard warnings: watch out for pills with more than one active ingredient, and don't mix acetominophen and alcohol. And, if you're like me, keep a record of how much you take and when. And of course consult your doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified health care provider for advice.

Comments

[snippy]

My docs are all anti-ibuprofen, would much rather have me take acetominophen. So we just don't have it at the house.

[otter]

I generally prefer ibuprofen to acetminophen because I've had liver complications of mono in the past. I'm also likely to let a lower fever run it's course, because, yes, it does have a job to do.