The Nuance
Taken Early, Aspirin Might Offer Protection Against Covid-19
Experts say low-dose aspirin might be an underutilized weapon in our battle with the coronavirus
During the first months of the pandemic, back when vaccines were little more than a wishful ambition, the global medical community was desperate for something — anything — that could weaken the mortal grip of severe Covid-19 disease.
Aspirin emerged as an early drug-of-interest.
Covid-19 does its damage primarily via blood clots and inflammation. Aspirin, despite being one of the world’s oldest and cheapest medicines, is a potent blood thinner and anti-inflammatory agent. It can also block clots from forming. It seemed worth a look.
The early findings were promising. One study in the U.S. found that hospitalized Covid-19 patients promptly treated with aspirin were much less likely to need mechanical ventilation or ICU care than those who did not get the drug. Aspirin administration also reduced the risk of death.
There’s reason to believe that aspirin — if taken early enough in the course of infection — could provide life-saving benefits.
