The One Pill That Will Make You Feel Worse if You Have COVID-19

The World Health Organization recommended this week that people suffering COVID-19 symptoms should avoid taking ibuprofen because anti-inflammatory drugs could worsen effects of the virus.

Ibuprofen is the pharmaceutical name for Advil, Motrin and Midol brands. These brands are also known as over-the-counter (OTC) medications, because they can be purchased directly in stores by the consumer.

If you have been diagnosed with COVID, or think you might have it, seek medical advice before self-medicating with ibuprofen.

Information is constantly evolving on COVID-19, and more research undoubtedly will be conducted to confirm the effects of taking ibuprofen. We will update as more information is published.

UPDATE:

According to FACTCHECK.ORG (March 30, 2020), “There is no evidence that ibuprofen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can make COVID-19 cases more severe.”

There may have been some political basis for the circulation of the report by some countries, according to the organization.

FactCheck.org is a non-partisan, non-profit center located at the University of Pennsylvania. You can find more information about this topic on their website.

Consult with your physician before taking any medication, even ones over the counter, for COVID-19 symptoms.’

We will continue to update you on this page as information becomes available.

Preparing for COVID-19 in Nursing Homes and Long-term Care Facilities


Nursing homes and other long-term care facilities can take steps to assess and improve their readiness to respond to the novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has formulated a checklist for facilities to assist in the development of a comprehensive response plan that includes these key areas:


Rapid identification and management of ill residents

Considerations for visitors and consultant staff

Supplies and resources

Sick leave policies and other occupational health considerations

Education and training

Surge capacity for staffing, equipment and supplies, and postmortem care

This tool, in conjunction with other assessments, identifies strengths and weaknesses of a facility’s current preparedness efforts. It does not describe mandatory requirements or standards. Rather, it highlights important areas for facilities to review to in order to prepare for the possibility of residents testing positive for COVID-19.

Additional information is available on the CDC website.

This link will take you to the checklist: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/novel-coronavirus-2019-Nursing-Homes-Preparedness-Checklist_3_13.pdf

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You can also use this short-cut: bit.ly/2vB2gaW

Edited for clarification on April 1, 2020