Regular administration of aspirin can prevent coronavirus infection, according to a new study.
Israeli researchers found that those who took a low-dose over-the-counter drug were 29 percent less likely to become infected with the virus, the Jerusalem Post reported.
The study, which was published in the FEBS Journal of the Federation of European Biochemical Societies, looked at data from 10,000 Israelis who were tested for COVID-19 between February 1 and June 30.
The researchers compared patients who regularly take a low dose of aspirin to prevent and treat cardiovascular disease with those who do not use the drug.
In addition to being less likely to contract the virus, aspirin can also help reduce the duration of the disease.
Aspirin users who contracted the virus suffered shorter seizures and were less likely to experience long-term symptoms.
Professor Eli Magen from Barzilai Medical Center said that this may be due to the anti-inflammatory properties of the drug.
She said more research is needed to look at the benefits of aspirin in fighting the virus.
This observation of the possible beneficial effect of low doses of aspirin on COVID-19 infection is preliminary, but looks very promising, she said.