Coronavirus, or COVID-19, is a pandemic spreading quickly around the world. The majority of people who are infected by COVID-19 exhibit very mild symptoms, in some cases similar to the common flu. [1] However, age and preexisting conditions put people at a much greater risk.

With COVID-19, symptoms tend to appear 2-14 days after exposure and generally include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. People experiencing mild symptoms will likely look to over-the-counter medications to help relieve the symptoms and get them through the experience. But according to French officials, not all medications are suitable for coronavirus.

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Health authorities in France are warning that using over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) could actually aggravate coronavirus and make it worse.

“The taking of anti-inflammatories [ibuprofen, cortisone … ] could be a factor in aggravating the infection,” said Olivier Véran, France’s health minister and qualified doctor and neurologist. “In the case of fever, take paracetamol. If you are already taking anti-inflammatory drugs, ask your doctor’s advice.”

French health officials say that using anti-inflammatory drugs is known to be risky for people with infectious diseases, like COVID-19, because they have a tendency to reduce the body’s immune system response. Véran suggests using paracetamol, otherwise known as acetaminophen (brand name Tylenol) to treat fever and aches associated with COVID-19 because “it will reduce the fever without counterattacking the inflammation.”

France is requiring all patients who are purchasing over-the-counter painkillers, like Advil and Tylenol, to consult with a pharmacy to be warned of potential complications of using the drugs.

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“Anti-inflammatory drugs increase the risk of complications when there is a fever or infection,” Jean-Louis Montastruc, the head of pharmacology at Toulouse hospital, said in an interview with RTL radio. [2]

In France, new cases of coronavirus continue to rise. On March 17th, the number of infected had risen to over 6,600 with 148 fatalities and 12 recoveries. [3]

Social distancing measures have been taken throughout France, particularly in the capital city of Paris. Social distancing is a measure used to slow down the spread of a pandemic, like COVID-19. These measures include shutting down festivals, conferences, and closing popular tourist destinations. So far, Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, Château de Versailles, Centre Pompidou and, Musée d’Orsay have all been closed. Additionally, there will be no Sunday masses held in the Paris region, according to Michel Aupetit, the archbishop of Paris.

Schools across the country have also closed, keeping more than 12 million students at home.

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