Treatment of flu: does paracetamol help?
Interview with Professor Irene Braithwaite, Deputy Director of the New Zealand Medical Research Institute (Wellington, New Zealand)
Irene Braithwaite: “We know from animal model studies that reducing fever is associated with an increased risk of death from influenza. We also know that in some influenza viruses replication is not possible in the human “febrile range” (from 38 to 40 centigrade). However, guidelines for treating community-acquired influenza infection in humans dictate us to use rest, drink plenty, and take antipyretic drugs such as paracetamol.
The latter recommendation has only the basis that it can help and is unlikely to cause harm. We undertook this study to see that regular use of paracetamol for influenza infection can be harmful, because it can allow the influenza virus to replicate more easily and to enhance or prolong the effects of flu symptoms.
This is the first randomized controlled trial comparing the effects of paracetamol (1 gram four times a day for 5 days) compared with placebo in adults infected with influenza. We found that there was no difference in influenza viral load, temperature, or flu symptoms in the paracetamol and placebo groups.
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The evidence base for the use of paracetamol for influenza in adults is ABSENT. While paracetamol did not show that it was harmful in this study, there was no evidence that it was useful. Regular intake of paracetamol does not reduce the temperature or reduce clinical symptoms, such as headaches, muscle aches and fatigue compared with placebo. The best defense against influenza infection is vaccination. ”
Irene Braithwaite: “We know from animal model studies that reducing fever is associated with an increased risk of death from influenza. We also know that in some influenza viruses replication is not possible in the human “febrile range” (from 38 to 40 centigrade). However, guidelines for treating community-acquired influenza infection in humans dictate us to use rest, drink plenty, and take antipyretic drugs such as paracetamol.
The latter recommendation has only the basis that it can help and is unlikely to cause harm. We undertook this study to see that regular use of paracetamol for influenza infection can be harmful, because it can allow the influenza virus to replicate more easily and to enhance or prolong the effects of flu symptoms.
This is the first randomized controlled trial comparing the effects of paracetamol (1 gram four times a day for 5 days) compared with placebo in adults infected with influenza. We found that there was no difference in influenza viral load, temperature, or flu symptoms in the paracetamol and placebo groups.
')
The evidence base for the use of paracetamol for influenza in adults is ABSENT. While paracetamol did not show that it was harmful in this study, there was no evidence that it was useful. Regular intake of paracetamol does not reduce the temperature or reduce clinical symptoms, such as headaches, muscle aches and fatigue compared with placebo. The best defense against influenza infection is vaccination. ”
Source: https://habr.com/ru/post/390063/
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