The dangers of misinformation have become another threat amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in the country. Due to lack of proper knowledge, people tend to be confused and paranoid about the symptoms, modes of transmission, and ways to prevent the virus.
How does a regular cough differ from one that is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus? Is “tuob” (steam inhalation) a sure solution for COVID-19?
Can over-the-counter (OTC) drugs help? Through the Kwentong Viral News webinar, three medical experts shed light on these common questions about COVID-19 and cough.
Biochemist and pulmonologist Dr. Earl Sempio said that coughing is the body’s natural reflex to get rid of unwanted elements and phlegm in the airways and lungs. Essentially, it is a sign of an underlying problem or sickness.
Infectious diseases specialist Dr. Joseph Adrian Buensalido said that contrary to misconceptions, there is no single indicator whether a cough is COVID-19-related or not. If one has a cough, it is better to protect others and self-isolate.
Buensalido related mild COVID-19 cases to common cold or flu, but proper isolation should still be strictly observed to prevent its spread.
OTC medicines such as Carbocisteine can be helpful to relieve symptoms like coughs with thick and hard to expel phlegm, while supplements like Zinc can help strengthen the immune system to fight off viruses and bacteria.
The mucolytic and anti-inflammatory properties of Carbocisteine combined with the right levels of Zinc for immunity is definitely a powerful combination against coughs caused by viral infections.
In a local study conducted by Dr. Agra and her team among patients with non-bacterial cough, it was found that the combination of Carbocisteine and Zinc for treatment resulted in reduced severity of cough caused by virus in three days and resolution of cough in just five days compared to the 10 to 14 days of recovery.
