A cold is not only a complaint of the corona virus, it can also expel Covid-19 from the body. Researchers from the University of Glasgow report this.
The scientists took a closer look at the rhinovirus, responsible for one of the most common and quite harmless colds. However, that virus does not seem to tolerate the coronavirus that blown over from Wuhan in human body cells, the study shows. And because the rhinovirus is so common, it could be an unexpected but very welcome ‘partner’ in the fight against corona this spring.
Viruses fight each other
In short, it is like this: after entry – through the nose, ears or eyes – some viruses compete with each other to infect someone. Other viruses leave room for more diseases. The rhinovirus can cause complaints such as a runny nose, sore throat, headache, cough and sometimes fever and prefers to go about its business in isolation, so without other viruses that collect in the body cells. It can also harm animals, as was the case recently in the horse world.
According to the researchers, it appears that the rhinovirus and Sars-CoV-2 fight each other. If the rhinovirus enters the respiratory tract 24 hours earlier, corona has no chance of settling in the body, the BBC reports. “Sars-CoV-2 will never get off the ground and is severely slowed down by the rhinovirus,” says researcher Pablo Murcia to the British broadcaster. “That’s absolutely fascinating, because with a high rhinovirus presence, it can stop new Sars-CoV-2 infections.”
‘Protection’ temporary
As soon as the cold has passed, the chance of a corona infection increases again. The advantage therefore only plays up temporarily. A study on this was recently published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases. Murcia emphasizes that only a shot can provide longer protection. “The maximum effect will have to come from the vaccinations.”
The Belgian virologist Marc van Ranst is very cautious. “We cannot just choose to have a cold and to stay. Much research is still needed. Let’s just keep vaccinating to deal with the pandemic, ”he told Het Laatste Nieuws.
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