Acetaminophen is a medicine that works both as an analgesic and as an antipyretic. Analgesics reduce pain and antipyretics lessen fever. This medication has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1950 because it is one of the most prevalent pain relievers used in the US.
HOW DOES ANALGESICS WORK?
Analgesics work on the central nervous system and the peripheral of the body to block or lessen sensitivity to pain. This may also act by inhibiting the formation of certain chemicals in the body that mediate pain.
HOW DOES ANTIPYRETICS WORK?
Antipyretics let the hypothalamus which is the central region of the human brain to outweigh a prostaglandin-induced to escalate in temperature. The body then works to lower the temperature that results in a reduced fever.
FEVER
Fever happens when proteins and other toxins are released from the cell walls of viruses and bacteria. This is caused by a chemical called pyrogens. Fever also happens when our body comes into contact with viruses and bacteria. The pyrogens are released into the bloodstream and reach the hypothalamus in the brain. The pyrogen binds to the receptors in the hypothalamus and causes the constriction of blood vessels and shivering. Wherein, it helps the body temperature to reach the new setpoint and as a result, it causes fever. It is part of the body’s attempt to kill the pathogen which is the virus.
Accordingly, the symptoms of COVID-19 are:
- Muscle pain
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Chills
- Shortness of breath
Acetaminophen is used for many years to lessen fever and to temporarily relieve muscle pain. These are both symptoms of COVID-19. There are about 80-98% of COVID-19 patients who had a fever and muscle pain. However, this medicine is not the treatment for COVID-19 but Acetaminophen helps relieve and lessen the symptoms. As of this movement, there is no clear information that Acetaminophen is used for the treatment of coronavirus itself. You can buy Acetaminophen as an over-the-counter medicine even without a prescription. On the other hand, you still need to consult your doctor before taking any medication especially for colds, flu, or COVID-19.
HOW TO TREAT FEVER FROM COVID-19 AT HOME
When taking a temperature
- Wait for at least 30 minutes after you exercise, drink, or eat
- Wait also for 30 minutes after you take medication for fever such as Acetaminophen
- Clean your thermometer before and after using it
To treat fever without medications
Bringing the fever down can help an ill person feel better and have a rest. You can bring down fever even without medicine by:
- Giving them a slightly warm bath
- Placing a cool damp washcloth on their forehead
- Wash their body and arms with a cool cloth
To treat a fever with medications
For the treatment of fever using medications at home, as your healthcare provider what is best for you or others you are taking care of. They will give you the right dose based on their age, weight, and medical history. Understand the cautions on the over-the-counter medicine label before taking or giving them. Medications used for fever usually take 30 to 45 minutes to start working. It will not lessen your fever down to normal. However, a fever-reducer will help you feel more comfortable.