A surprising over-the-counter nasal spray might lower your COVID risk—here’s what the new study found
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If you’ve ever rummaged through your medicine cabinet, chances are you’ve found a mix of old cough syrups, allergy pills, and remedies for the common cold.
Hidden among those bottles may be something researchers now say could help protect against COVID-19.
A common over-the-counter nasal spray that many people already use for allergies has shown promising results in a new study.
And while it’s not a cure, it could be an extra layer of protection during another unpredictable virus season.
The star of this story is “azelastine,” an antihistamine nasal spray that’s been a staple for allergy sufferers since the 1990s.
Sold under the brand name Astepro Allergy (in a 0.15% concentration), it’s long been used to soothe sneezing, runny noses, and itchy eyes. But recent research suggests azelastine may have a hidden talent: helping to prevent COVID-19 infections.
A team of German researchers decided to put this theory to the test. They recruited 450 healthy adults (ages 18 to 65, most of whom had at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose) and split them into two groups.
One group used azelastine nasal spray three times a day; the other used a placebo. Over 56 days, both groups were tested twice a week for COVID-19.
By the end of the study, only 2.2% of the azelastine group tested positive for COVID-19, compared to 6.7% in the placebo group. That’s a significant reduction—especially when you consider how easy and accessible this intervention is.
But the benefits didn’t stop there. Those who did catch COVID-19 while using azelastine took longer to get infected, had fewer symptoms, and tested positive for fewer days than their placebo-using peers. In other words, even if the spray didn’t prevent infection entirely, it seemed to make the illness milder and shorter.
Dr. Bruce Hirsch, an infectious disease specialist at Northwell Health, summed it up: “It kind of makes sense that if a medication is soothing the lining of the upper respiratory tract, there’s going to be less inflammation. With less tissue disruption, there’ll be less opportunity for viruses to get going and to cause mischief.”
One of the best parts about this news is that azelastine is already known for its strong safety record. In the study, only two participants reported serious side effects, and neither was linked to the spray itself.
For most people, azelastine is as routine as brushing your teeth—just a quick spritz and you’re on your way.
But before you rush out to stock up, a word of caution: azelastine isn’t a magic shield. Dr. Hirsch and the study authors are clear—this nasal spray is a helpful addition to your toolkit, not a replacement for vaccines, masks, or good hand hygiene.
Think of it as another layer of protection, especially useful in high-risk situations like crowded gatherings, travel, or during a surge in cases.
Also read: Could this breakthrough vaccine change the future of this cancer's treatment?
This study comes at a time when COVID-19 cases are climbing again, and the rules around vaccines are shifting.
The FDA recently approved updated COVID-19 shots, but now only people 65 and older automatically qualify. Younger adults and children need to show they have a health condition that puts them at higher risk.
This change could make it harder for many Americans to get vaccinated, especially as pharmacies and states navigate new regulations.
For example, in New York and 13 other states, CVS now requires a prescription for the COVID-19 vaccine—even for those who meet the new criteria. In some states, pharmacies can’t give the shot at all without special approval.
With these hurdles, having an easy-to-use, over-the-counter option like azelastine becomes even more valuable—especially for those who want extra protection but can’t easily access the latest vaccine.
Also read: Suffering from depression? FDA approves groundbreaking nasal spray that could change your life!
Researchers are excited about the potential for azelastine to do even more. They’re calling for studies to see if it can help prevent other respiratory viruses, like RSV and the flu. If future research confirms these benefits, your humble allergy spray could become a go-to defense during every cold and flu season.
If you’re considering adding azelastine to your routine, here’s what you need to know:
Have you used azelastine before? Would you consider adding it to your COVID-19 prevention routine? Do you have questions about how to stay safe as we head into another virus season?
Hidden among those bottles may be something researchers now say could help protect against COVID-19.
A common over-the-counter nasal spray that many people already use for allergies has shown promising results in a new study.
And while it’s not a cure, it could be an extra layer of protection during another unpredictable virus season.
The star of this story is “azelastine,” an antihistamine nasal spray that’s been a staple for allergy sufferers since the 1990s.
Sold under the brand name Astepro Allergy (in a 0.15% concentration), it’s long been used to soothe sneezing, runny noses, and itchy eyes. But recent research suggests azelastine may have a hidden talent: helping to prevent COVID-19 infections.
A team of German researchers decided to put this theory to the test. They recruited 450 healthy adults (ages 18 to 65, most of whom had at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose) and split them into two groups.
One group used azelastine nasal spray three times a day; the other used a placebo. Over 56 days, both groups were tested twice a week for COVID-19.
By the end of the study, only 2.2% of the azelastine group tested positive for COVID-19, compared to 6.7% in the placebo group. That’s a significant reduction—especially when you consider how easy and accessible this intervention is.
But the benefits didn’t stop there. Those who did catch COVID-19 while using azelastine took longer to get infected, had fewer symptoms, and tested positive for fewer days than their placebo-using peers. In other words, even if the spray didn’t prevent infection entirely, it seemed to make the illness milder and shorter.
Dr. Bruce Hirsch, an infectious disease specialist at Northwell Health, summed it up: “It kind of makes sense that if a medication is soothing the lining of the upper respiratory tract, there’s going to be less inflammation. With less tissue disruption, there’ll be less opportunity for viruses to get going and to cause mischief.”
One of the best parts about this news is that azelastine is already known for its strong safety record. In the study, only two participants reported serious side effects, and neither was linked to the spray itself.
For most people, azelastine is as routine as brushing your teeth—just a quick spritz and you’re on your way.
But before you rush out to stock up, a word of caution: azelastine isn’t a magic shield. Dr. Hirsch and the study authors are clear—this nasal spray is a helpful addition to your toolkit, not a replacement for vaccines, masks, or good hand hygiene.
Think of it as another layer of protection, especially useful in high-risk situations like crowded gatherings, travel, or during a surge in cases.
Also read: Could this breakthrough vaccine change the future of this cancer's treatment?
This study comes at a time when COVID-19 cases are climbing again, and the rules around vaccines are shifting.
The FDA recently approved updated COVID-19 shots, but now only people 65 and older automatically qualify. Younger adults and children need to show they have a health condition that puts them at higher risk.
This change could make it harder for many Americans to get vaccinated, especially as pharmacies and states navigate new regulations.
For example, in New York and 13 other states, CVS now requires a prescription for the COVID-19 vaccine—even for those who meet the new criteria. In some states, pharmacies can’t give the shot at all without special approval.
With these hurdles, having an easy-to-use, over-the-counter option like azelastine becomes even more valuable—especially for those who want extra protection but can’t easily access the latest vaccine.
Also read: Suffering from depression? FDA approves groundbreaking nasal spray that could change your life!
Researchers are excited about the potential for azelastine to do even more. They’re calling for studies to see if it can help prevent other respiratory viruses, like RSV and the flu. If future research confirms these benefits, your humble allergy spray could become a go-to defense during every cold and flu season.
If you’re considering adding azelastine to your routine, here’s what you need to know:
- Look for Astepro Allergy (0.15% azelastine) at your local pharmacy. It’s available over the counter.
- The study used a 0.1% concentration, but the OTC version is 0.15%—so you’re covered.
- The regimen: one spray in each nostril, three times a day.
- As always, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting any new medication, especially if you have other health conditions or take multiple prescriptions.
