Nasal spray may cut COVID-19 risk by 69%, cold risk by 71%

Published: Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at 8:09 am

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

A new study suggests that a widely available allergy nasal spray could significantly reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19 and other respiratory infections. The research, published in *JAMA Internal Medicine*, indicates that regular use of azelastine nasal spray, commonly used to treat allergic rhinitis, may offer a degree of protection against these illnesses.

The clinical trial involved 450 healthy adults aged 18 to 65. Participants were randomly assigned to use either azelastine nasal spray or a placebo spray for approximately two months. The study was conducted as a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, meaning neither the participants nor the researchers knew who was receiving the active medication.

The results showed that those using the azelastine spray were significantly less likely to contract SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, compared to those using the placebo. The study also indicated a reduction in the risk of other respiratory infections. Participants used the spray three times a day, increasing to five times a day if they developed symptoms or were exposed to COVID-19. Regular testing, including rapid antigen tests and PCR tests, was used to monitor for infections. The study found that the spray reduced the risk of COVID-19 by 69% and the risk of the common cold by 71%.

The azelastine spray is readily available over-the-counter. The study reported only mild side effects.

BNN's Perspective:

While these findings are encouraging, it's important to remember that this is just one study. Further research is needed to confirm these results and understand the full implications of using azelastine nasal spray for preventing respiratory infections. However, the potential for a readily accessible and relatively safe intervention to reduce the risk of COVID-19 and other common illnesses is certainly worth exploring.

Keywords: nasal spray, COVID-19, cold, azelastine, allergy, respiratory infections, clinical trial, SARS-CoV-2, placebo, prevention, over-the-counter, health, medicine, research

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