Health professor addresses COVID-19 myths surrounding ibuprofen, vitamins, taking a hot bath

Rumors and myths surrounding COVID-19 are circulating like wild fire on social media. So much so, it can be difficult to separate fact from fiction.

Lisa Pagnucco, clinical pharmacist and associate professor in the College of Health Professions, said the World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes the abundance of rumors, often spread through social media, as an "infodemic."

"Infodemic is defined as an over-abundance of information – some accurate and some not – that makes it hard for people to find trustworthy sources and reliable guidance when they need it," she said.

Below, Pagnucco addressed some of the main rumors currently circulating and stressed the importance of consulting official resources, like the Centers for Disease Control web page that separates fact from fiction.

Does the use of ibuprofen make COVID-19 worse? 

Pagnucco said at this time, there is no evidence that using ibuprofen or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause COVID-19 cases to be more severe.

"Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), other NSAIDs and acetaminophen (Tylenol) can all be used to reduce a fever," said Pagnucco. "Patients who take NSAIDs on a daily basis for a chronic medical condition should not stop taking them without first consulting with their health care provider."

Pagnucco said this rumor began with a March 11 letter in Lancet Respiratory Medicine by investigators hypothesizing about how COVID-19 enters cells, and also from a March 14 tweet by the French health minister directing people to use acetaminophen.

Does taking vitamin D protect against COVID-19?

Pagnucco said, at the present time, there are no studies that directly support starting to take vitamin D to protect against COVID-19. She said vitamin D does play a role in the functioning of the immune system.

Does taking vitamin C (ascorbic acid) protect against COVID-19?

Pagnucco said there is no evidence at this time that taking vitamin C (ascorbic acid) helps to prevent an infection caused by COVID-19. 

"This is an area of investigation for patients who are hospitalized with COVID-19 infection," she said. "There is a study in China evaluating if high doses of intravenous (IV) vitamin C (ascorbic acid) can improve recovery from COVID-19. Results are expected in the fall."

She added there is also a study in Italy looking at high doses of intravenous (IV) vitamin C to evaluate impact on hospital mortality and secondary measures. Results are expected in March 2021. 

Does taking a hot bath prevent COVID-19?

Pagnucco said taking a hot bath will not prevent you from catching COVID-19. 

"The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is by frequently washing your hands," she said. "By doing this, you eliminate viruses that may be on your hands and avoid infection that could occur by then touching your eyes, mouth and nose."

More information can also be found on the World Health Organization's Myth busters web page.