Over-the-counter aspirin could protect the lungs of Co v idd patients and minimize the need for mechanical ventilation, according to new research from George Washington University.

The team investigated more than 400 patients from hospitals across the United States who take aspirin unrelated to their CO V IDD disease, and found that the treatment reduced the risk of several parameters by almost half: reaching mechanical ventilation by 44%, ICU admissions by 43%, and overall in-hospital mortality by 47%.

“As we learned about the connection between blood clots and CO V IDD, we knew that aspirin – used to prevent stroke and heart attack – could be important for patients,” said Dr. Jonathan Chow of the study team. “Our research found an association between low-dose aspirin and decreased severity and death.”

Low-dose aspirin is a common treatment for anyone suffering from blood clotting issues or in danger of stroke, including most people who had a heart attack or a myocardial infarction. Although affecting the respiratory system, the coronavirus has been associated with small blood vessel clotting, causing tiny blockages in the pulmonary blood system, leading to ARDS – acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Israeli researchers reached similar results in a preliminary trial at the Barzilai Medical Center in March. In addition to its effect on blood clots, they found that aspirin carried immunological benefits and that the group taking it was 29% less likely to become infected with the virus in the first place.