There’s a lot of misinformation being shared on messaging apps.
The HSE is advising anyone with Covid-19 to stay taking their medication unless they’re are told not to by a healthcare professional.
The advice comes after illegitimate messages circulated on WhatsApp on Sunday purporting to be from health officials from Cork, France and other countries which told people to stop taking anti-inflammatories (NSAID) – such as ibuprofen – as the message alleged the medications affected a person’s immune response to Covid-19.
Cork University Hospital and its consultants did not make comments or recommendations about anti-inflammatory medication and patients with Covid-19.
It was similarly debunked by The Infectious Diseases Society of Ireland on Sunday night.
The HSE is asking everyone who sent the message to now delete it and explain that it’s false to those they sent it to.
Dr Colm Henry, Chief Clinical Officer of the HSE said there was no evidence to support stopping any medications at this time and encouraged everyone to remain taking their medication unless advised not to by a healthcare professional.
“Only take one anti-inflammatory medication at a time,” he cautioned. “It is okay to take paracetamol and an anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen at the same time.
“There is no evidence to stop any medication at this time. There is no need to order more medicines than you need, as this will affect the supply of medicines to others, and there is no disruption to the supply of medicines. If you have respiratory symptoms, do not attend your pharmacy in person. Phone your pharmacist if you need to order a prescription. Ask a family member to collect any medicines you need.
“We are constantly evaluating emerging evidence about the most appropriate treatment of Covid-19. There is no specific treatment for coronavirus but many of the symptoms of the virus can be treated.
“If you get the virus, your healthcare professional will advise treatment based on your symptoms. The appropriate medication for an individual with symptoms of COVID-19 will depend on your symptoms, your other conditions and your other medication.”
Main image via Brett Jordan on Unsplash
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