Common allergy nasal spray reduces risk of COVID-19 infection by 66%

Published: Friday, September 5, 2025 at 11:51 am

Common Allergy Nasal Spray Shows Promise in Reducing COVID-19 Risk

A recent study suggests that a common allergy nasal spray, azelastine, may significantly reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection. The research, conducted in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, found that adults using the spray three times daily were 66% less likely to contract the virus compared to those using a placebo.

The study, which lasted approximately two months, involved participants who initially tested negative for COVID-19. The results indicated that only 2.2% of those using azelastine tested positive for COVID-19, compared to 6.7% in the placebo group. The spray also showed promise in reducing rhinovirus infections, a common cause of colds.

Researchers observed that those using azelastine experienced a longer time to infection if they contracted the virus and a shorter period of rapid-test positivity, potentially reducing the duration of contagiousness. While adverse events were reported, they were generally mild, with the most common being a bitter taste, nosebleeds, and fatigue.

The study's findings suggest that azelastine could offer an additional layer of protection against COVID-19, particularly during high-risk situations. The spray's over-the-counter availability and familiarity to allergy sufferers make it a potentially scalable option. However, the study was conducted on a specific demographic, and larger trials are needed to confirm these results and determine which groups would benefit most.

BNN's Perspective: This study offers a promising development in the ongoing fight against COVID-19. While further research is necessary, the potential of an accessible, over-the-counter nasal spray to reduce infection risk is encouraging. It underscores the importance of exploring multiple strategies to mitigate the virus's impact, complementing existing measures like vaccination and masking.

Keywords: Azelastine, nasal spray, COVID-19, rhinovirus, infection, prevention, trial, placebo, randomized, double-blind, allergy, antihistamine, SARS-CoV-2, antiviral, vaccine, symptoms, contagious, over-the-counter, health, medicine, medical research

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