RTIs, which affect parts of the body involved in breathing, affect one in five people in England.
A new study conducted by researchers at the University of Southampton in collaboration with the University of Bristol has found that an over-the-counter nasal spray could help reduce upper respiratory tract infections (RTIs) and antibiotic use.
This study The Lancet Respiratory Medicine A study funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence found that the nasal spray could prevent people from developing severe symptoms of RTI.
RTIs affect one in five people in England and are infections of parts of the body involved in breathing, such as the sinuses, throat, airways and lungs.
Upper respiratory tract infections affect the upper areas of the respiratory system, such as the sinuses and throat, resulting in symptoms like a runny nose, sore throat, and cough.
The researchers analysed data from almost 14,000 adults from 322 general practice clinics who had experienced health problems or risk factors for infection, such as having two existing health problems, a weakened immune system due to serious illness or medication, or having had repeated respiratory infections in the past.
Participants were assigned to receive either Vicks First Defense gel-based nasal spray, a virus-trapping microgel, saline nasal spray, a mixture of salt and water that reduces virus levels, or online resources promoting physical activity and stress management.
The study found that all three groups experienced a 25% reduction in severe symptoms and days of antibiotic use, and both nasal sprays reduced the duration of illness by 20% and reduced days away from work by up to 30%, while the exercise and stress reduction group experienced a 5% reduction in symptoms.
Dr Adam Geraghty, Associate Professor of Psychology and Behavioural Medicine at the University of Southampton, commented: “If widely used, these interventions could play a valuable role in reducing antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance, and reducing the impact of respiratory viruses on patients, health services and the wider economy.”
