Coronavirus continues to tear through communities, sowing panic and fear as experts race to understand more about the threat. While belonging to the coronavirus family, covid 19 is a new strain, which means there are a number of critical unknowns. One growing fear is that taking ibuprofen aggravates coronavirus symptoms.
READ MORE
-
Coronavirus self-isolation: Is it safe to keep my windows open?
This fear entered the mainstream conversation after France’s health minister tweeted advising against taking anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen if you think you have coronavirus.
Olivier Véran, a qualified doctor and neurologist, and France’s health minister tweeted on Saturday: “The taking of anti-inflammatories could be a factor in aggravating the infection.
“In case of fever, take paracetamol. If you are already taking anti-inflammatory drugs, ask your doctor’s advice.”
Echoing this advice, Jean-Louis Montastruc, the head of pharmacology at Toulouse hospital, told RTL radio: “Anti-inflammatory drugs increase the risk of complications when there is a fever or infection.”
The story of one family has now stoked further fears.
Parents Dan Collins and Maddie Milneer-Collins have revealed that their daughter Amelia’s mild symptoms have worsened since taking the drug at the weekend, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Posting to Facebook, Amelia’s stepdad Dan shared a photo of the poorly four-year-old and warned: “To those of you that have children please read. If your child has symptoms of coronavirus, DO NOT give them ibuprofen.”
Dan went on to say that Amelia had been unwell since Tuesday with a cough, fever and cold.
Fearing the worst, they called 111, who said they’d send out paramedics within two hours to check on her.
DON’T MISS
Coronavirus named: What does COVID-19 stand for? Coronavirus name meaning [INSIGHT]
Coronavirus: Can Dettol kill the virus? Disinfectants you could use against the virus [TIPS]
Hair loss treatment: Using this oil could unclog hair follicles and increase hair growth [TIPS]
Awaiting the paramedics arrival, the couple gave their daughter an ibuprofen as they couldn’t get hold of any calpol.
It was at this point her symptoms took a dramatic turn for the worse.
“Within an hour of giving it to her, she dropped dramatically,” said Dan.
He added: “She was panting while trying to breathe, her heart rate was very rapid, she couldn’t keep her eyes open, couldn’t lift her head up, her body was shaking, she started being sick on herself and her temperature had risen to 39.4!
READ MORE
-
Calpol shortage: What parents should ask for instead amid panic buying
“We called back up and they sent out an emergency ambulance, once the paramedics got here they managed to bring her temp and stats down a bit, they’re still higher than normal but not dangerous high anymore.
“Now she’s back on Calpol, she’s back to just being her poorly self.”
Tips to alleviate symptoms while self-isolating
According to PHE, you should drink water to keep yourself hydrated.
You should drink enough during the day so your urine (pee) is a pale clear colour, explains the health site.
“Seek prompt medical attention if your illness or the illness in any household members is worsening,” advises the health body.
If it’s not an emergency, contact NHS 111 online at 111.nhs.uk.
If you have no internet access, you should call NHS 111, says PHE.
“If it is an emergency and you need to call an ambulance, dial 999 and inform the call handler or operator that you or your relative have coronavirus symptoms,” it adds.
Source: Read Full Article