🕷️ Crawler Inspector

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Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 51 (from laksa191)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa051.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/12/health/virus-covid-nasal-spray-allergies-wellness\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/12/health/virus-covid-nasal-spray-allergies-wellness\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/2025\/09\/12\/health\/virus-covid-nasal-spray-allergies-wellness","crawl_time":1773470066,"first_indexed_time":1757680471,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,cnn!www,\/2025\/09\/12\/health\/virus-covid-nasal-spray-allergies-wellness s443","src_root_hash":"2312100192101524051","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"A common nasal spray may help prevent Covid. What a new study shows | CNN","meta_descriptions":["A common nasal spray may lower the risk of getting Covid-19, a new study shows. Dr. Leana Wen discusses what this all means as coronavirus cases rise."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Amid the uncertainty surrounding\neligibility for\nand\naccess to\nthe latest Covid-19 vaccine, a new study has found that a common nasal spray could help prevent infection.\nThis randomized placebo-controlled trial examined the effectiveness of the nasal spray azelastine in preventing Covid-19 infection, as published in the journal\nJAMA Internal Medicine\non September 2. Researchers concluded that the chance of developing Covid-19 was about three times lower in the azelastine group compared with the placebo group.\nWhat is azelastine, and do these study results mean we should start stocking up on this nasal spray? And, as coronavirus cases are\nonce again rising\n, what precautions should people take to reduce their chances of infection?\nAd Feedback\nTo help with these questions, I spoke with CNN wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and clinical associate professor at George Washington University. Wen previously was Baltimore’s health commissioner.\nCNN: What is azelastine nasal spray, and what is it currently approved for?\nDr. Leana Wen:\nAzelastine nasal spray, also referred to as the brand names Astelin and Astepro, is an\nantihistamine\nused to relieve symptoms of allergies, including stuffy or runny nose, itching, and sneezing. The medication is approved for both seasonal allergic rhinitis and perennial allergic rhinitis.\nSeasonal allergic rhinitis is what most people think of as hay fever — allergy symptoms that flare up at certain times of the year, usually in the spring, summer or fall, when pollen from trees, grasses or weeds is in the air. Perennial allergic rhinitis,\non the other hand, causes symptoms year-round. The condition is triggered by things that can be found throughout the year, such as dust mites, pet dander and mold.\nFirst approved by the\nUS Food and Drug Administration\nin 1996, this medication is now available in generic forms. A physician’s prescription is required, though one brand name called Astepro Allergy can now be purchased over the counter at pharmacies.\nCNN: Why did researchers test this nasal spray to prevent respiratory illnesses?\nWen:\nEarly in the pandemic, scientists looked at whether medications already on the market could be repurposed to fight Covid-19. Azelastine showed promise in some laboratory studies.\nOne study\nfound that azelastine could bind to a receptor that the coronavirus uses to access human cells.\nAnother report\nsuggested that this antihistamine reduced virus levels in nasal tissue. And\na third\nfound that the medication may have a broader antiviral effect against other respiratory viruses, including the influenza virus.\nBecause this nasal spray is widely available, researchers wanted to test it on human participants in a rigorous setting to see whether azelastine could, in fact, reduce coronavirus infection. If so, this medication could be an inexpensive way to boost protection.\nCNN: How was this new study performed, and what did it show?\nWen:\nThis study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 clinical trial involving 450 healthy adult volunteers in Germany, nearly all of whom (99.1%) had been vaccinated at least once with the Covid-19 vaccine. Participants were randomized to two groups. In one group, azelastine nasal spray was applied to each nostril three times a day for an average of 56 days. The other group received a placebo spray. Participants were tested for Covid-19 infection twice a week by rapid antigen test.\nResearchers confirmed positive tests with laboratory polymerase chain reaction, or PCR,\ntesting. Patients who tested positive for Covid-19 continued rapid antigen testing each day until the result was negative, so researchers could see how long the infection lasted. The study team also monitored participants for infection with other respiratory viruses, including the common cold coronaviruses, influenza, rhinovirus and parainfluenza.\nResearchers found that the incidence of Covid-19 infection was significantly lower in the azelastine group compared with the placebo group. In the former, five of 227 participants (2.2%) tested positive, compared with 15 of 223 participants (6.7%) in the placebo group. The mean duration of having a positive test was also shorter in the azelastine group (3.40 days) compared with the placebo group (5.14 days).\nWhat’s interesting is that the azelastine group was also less likely to contract other respiratory viruses. The total number of participants with a laboratory-confirmed infection of any of the viruses tested was 19 out of 227 (8.4%) in the azelastine group versus 42 out of 223 (18.8%) in the placebo group. Participants in the azelastine group also reported an average of only 1.73 illness days compared with 2.75 days for those in the placebo group.\nCNN: How convincing are these results?\nWen:\nI think this was a well-designed study that points to a protective effect of azelastine nasal spray against SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses. The findings suggest that azelastine could be used as a preventive treatment against infection.\nAs the authors noted, the percentage reduction in Covid-19 infection is on par with what has been seen for other preventive measures, such as being up-to-date on Covid vaccines. These results are especially encouraging since azelastine nasal spray is inexpensive and widely available — not to mention that it already has decades of safety data. These findings are an important first step and set the stage for other clinical trials to see whether azelastine can reliably reduce the risk of respiratory virus infections.\nCNN: Should people start using azelastine to prevent infections now?\nWen:\nAlthough the results are promising, keep in mind that the study was fairly small. The FDA has not approved azelastine to prevent Covid-19 or any other infection. I certainly would not encourage people to use the spray instead of other preventive measures, such as vaccination and masking.\nCNN: Speaking of those other measures, what precautions should people consider as coronavirus cases are rising once again?\nWen:\nIf you are able to get the updated Covid-19 vaccine, you should do so. If you are especially vulnerable to severe disease, try to avoid crowded indoor settings. If you must be in these settings though, consider wearing a well-fitting N95 mask or an equivalent. Finally, anyone experiencing respiratory symptoms should stay home to reduce the chance of spreading not only the coronavirus but also other respiratory viruses.\nGet inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple. 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What a new study shows\nBy\n\n[![](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/media\/sites\/cnn\/cnn-fallback-image.jpg)](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/profiles\/katia-hetter)[Katia Hetter](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/profiles\/katia-hetter)\n\nUpdated Sep 12, 2025, 1:12 PM ET\n\nPublished Sep 12, 2025, 8:21 AM ET\n\nUpdated Sep 12, 2025\n\nUpdated\n\nSep 12, 2025, 1:12 PM ET\n\nPUBLISHED\n\nSep 12, 2025, 8:21 AM ET\n\n**Unable to load video**\n\nPlease try again later.\n\nError occurred while fetching labs\n\nSubtitles\n\n- Off\n\nVideo Ad Feedback\n\nDr. Sanjay Gupta on the impact of Covid-19 five years later\n\n2:12   • Source: [CNN](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/)\n\nDr. Sanjay Gupta on the impact of Covid-19 five years later\n\n2:12\n\nRespiratory viruses\n\nPrescription drugs\n\nNew in medicine\n\nVaccines\n\n[See all topics](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/follow)\n\nFacebook\n\nTweet\n\n[Email](mailto:?subject=CNN%20content%20share&body=Check%20out%20this%20article%3A%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2025%2F09%2F12%2Fhealth%2Fvirus-covid-nasal-spray-allergies-wellness \"Share with email\")\n\nLink\n\nThreads\n\nLink Copied\\!\n\nAmid the uncertainty surrounding [eligibility for](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/2025\/08\/27\/health\/covid-vaccines-fda) and [access to](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/2025\/09\/04\/politics\/takeaways-rfk-jr-hearing-health) the latest Covid-19 vaccine, a new study has found that a common nasal spray could help prevent infection.\n\nThis randomized placebo-controlled trial examined the effectiveness of the nasal spray azelastine in preventing Covid-19 infection, as published in the journal [JAMA Internal Medicine](https:\/\/jamanetwork.com\/journals\/jamainternalmedicine\/fullarticle\/2838335?&utm_source=BulletinHealthCare&utm_medium=email&utm_term=090325&utm_content=NON-MEMBER&utm_campaign=article_alert-morning_rounds_daily&utm_uid=3402323&utm_effort=DAMR01) on September 2. Researchers concluded that the chance of developing Covid-19 was about three times lower in the azelastine group compared with the placebo group.\n\n[Related article ![Aerial view of large number of people walking on the city square on the sunny day - stock photo](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/media\/sites\/cnn\/cnn-fallback-image.jpg) Aerial view of large number of people walking on the city square on the sunny day - stock photo Alexander Spatari\/Moment RF\/Getty Images US death rate dropped back to pre-Covid levels in 2024, CDC report says](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/2025\/09\/10\/health\/us-mortality-death-rate-2024-cdc)\n\nWhat is azelastine, and do these study results mean we should start stocking up on this nasal spray? And, as coronavirus cases are [once again rising](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/php\/surveillance\/index.html), what precautions should people take to reduce their chances of infection?\n\nAd Feedback\n\nTo help with these questions, I spoke with CNN wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and clinical associate professor at George Washington University. Wen previously was Baltimore’s health commissioner.\n\n**CNN: What is azelastine nasal spray, and what is it currently approved for?**\n\n**Dr. Leana Wen:** Azelastine nasal spray, also referred to as the brand names Astelin and Astepro, is an [antihistamine](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/drugs-supplements\/azelastine-nasal-route\/description\/drg-20068252) used to relieve symptoms of allergies, including stuffy or runny nose, itching, and sneezing. The medication is approved for both seasonal allergic rhinitis and perennial allergic rhinitis.\n\nSeasonal allergic rhinitis is what most people think of as hay fever — allergy symptoms that flare up at certain times of the year, usually in the spring, summer or fall, when pollen from trees, grasses or weeds is in the air. Perennial allergic rhinitis,on the other hand, causes symptoms year-round. The condition is triggered by things that can be found throughout the year, such as dust mites, pet dander and mold.\n\nFirst approved by the [US Food and Drug Administration](https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/files\/advisory%20committees\/published\/Astepro-Safety-and-Utilization-Review.pdf) in 1996, this medication is now available in generic forms. A physician’s prescription is required, though one brand name called Astepro Allergy can now be purchased over the counter at pharmacies.\n\n![Medications such as the nasal spray azelastine were studied early in the pandemic to see whether they could be repurposed against Covid-19.](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/media\/sites\/cnn\/cnn-fallback-image.jpg)\n\nMedications such as the nasal spray azelastine were studied early in the pandemic to see whether they could be repurposed against Covid-19.\n\nRidofranz\/iStockphoto\/Getty Images\n\n**CNN: Why did researchers test this nasal spray to prevent respiratory illnesses?**\n\n**Wen:** Early in the pandemic, scientists looked at whether medications already on the market could be repurposed to fight Covid-19. Azelastine showed promise in some laboratory studies.\n\n[One study](https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0042682221001136?via%3Dihub) found that azelastine could bind to a receptor that the coronavirus uses to access human cells. [Another report](https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/journals\/pharmacology\/articles\/10.3389\/fphar.2022.861295\/full) suggested that this antihistamine reduced virus levels in nasal tissue. And [a third](https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/38140540\/) found that the medication may have a broader antiviral effect against other respiratory viruses, including the influenza virus.\n\nBecause this nasal spray is widely available, researchers wanted to test it on human participants in a rigorous setting to see whether azelastine could, in fact, reduce coronavirus infection. If so, this medication could be an inexpensive way to boost protection.\n\n[Related article ![The FDA approved Enflonsia, a new monoclonal antibody made by Merck, to protect infants from RSV.](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/media\/sites\/cnn\/cnn-fallback-image.jpg) The FDA approved Enflonsia, a new monoclonal antibody made by Merck, to protect infants from RSV. Merck Newly approved antibody could offer another option for protecting infants from RSV, a common infection that can be deadly](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/2025\/06\/10\/health\/rsv-antibody-enflonsia)\n\n**CNN: How was this new study performed, and what did it show?**\n\n**Wen:** This study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 clinical trial involving 450 healthy adult volunteers in Germany, nearly all of whom (99.1%) had been vaccinated at least once with the Covid-19 vaccine. Participants were randomized to two groups. In one group, azelastine nasal spray was applied to each nostril three times a day for an average of 56 days. The other group received a placebo spray. Participants were tested for Covid-19 infection twice a week by rapid antigen test.\n\nResearchers confirmed positive tests with laboratory polymerase chain reaction, or PCR,testing. Patients who tested positive for Covid-19 continued rapid antigen testing each day until the result was negative, so researchers could see how long the infection lasted. The study team also monitored participants for infection with other respiratory viruses, including the common cold coronaviruses, influenza, rhinovirus and parainfluenza.\n\nResearchers found that the incidence of Covid-19 infection was significantly lower in the azelastine group compared with the placebo group. In the former, five of 227 participants (2.2%) tested positive, compared with 15 of 223 participants (6.7%) in the placebo group. The mean duration of having a positive test was also shorter in the azelastine group (3.40 days) compared with the placebo group (5.14 days).\n\nWhat’s interesting is that the azelastine group was also less likely to contract other respiratory viruses. The total number of participants with a laboratory-confirmed infection of any of the viruses tested was 19 out of 227 (8.4%) in the azelastine group versus 42 out of 223 (18.8%) in the placebo group. Participants in the azelastine group also reported an average of only 1.73 illness days compared with 2.75 days for those in the placebo group.\n\n[Related article ![Shivani Agarwal, left, sits with her daughter daughter Kiran, 3, during the observation period after Kiran was inoculated with the first dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for children 6 months through 4 years old, Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at Montefiore Medical Group in the Bronx borough of New York. (AP Photo\/Mary Altaffer)](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/media\/sites\/cnn\/cnn-fallback-image.jpg) Shivani Agarwal, left, sits with her daughter daughter Kiran, 3, during the observation period after Kiran was inoculated with the first dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for children 6 months through 4 years old, Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at Montefiore Medical Group in the Bronx borough of New York. (AP Photo\/Mary Altaffer) Mary Altaffer\/AP In break with current CDC recommendations, leading pediatrics group recommends Covid-19 shots for young children](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/2025\/08\/19\/health\/covid-vaccine-recommendation-aap)\n\n**CNN: How convincing are these results?**\n\n**Wen:** I think this was a well-designed study that points to a protective effect of azelastine nasal spray against SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses. The findings suggest that azelastine could be used as a preventive treatment against infection.\n\nAs the authors noted, the percentage reduction in Covid-19 infection is on par with what has been seen for other preventive measures, such as being up-to-date on Covid vaccines. These results are especially encouraging since azelastine nasal spray is inexpensive and widely available — not to mention that it already has decades of safety data. These findings are an important first step and set the stage for other clinical trials to see whether azelastine can reliably reduce the risk of respiratory virus infections.\n\n**CNN: Should people start using azelastine to prevent infections now?**\n\n**Wen:** Although the results are promising, keep in mind that the study was fairly small. The FDA has not approved azelastine to prevent Covid-19 or any other infection. I certainly would not encourage people to use the spray instead of other preventive measures, such as vaccination and masking.\n\n[Related article ![WHITE OAK, MD - JULY 20: A sign for the Food And Drug Administration is seen outside of the headquarters on July 20, 2020 in White Oak, Maryland. (Photo by Sarah Silbiger\/Getty Images)](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/media\/sites\/cnn\/cnn-fallback-image.jpg) WHITE OAK, MD - JULY 20: A sign for the Food And Drug Administration is seen outside of the headquarters on July 20, 2020 in White Oak, Maryland. (Photo by Sarah Silbiger\/Getty Images) Sarah Silbiger\/Getty Images\/FILE These are the conditions that make you eligible for an updated Covid-19 vaccine](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/2025\/08\/30\/health\/covid-19-vaccine-eligibility-medical-conditions-wellness)\n\n**CNN: Speaking of those other measures, what precautions should people consider as coronavirus cases are rising once again?**\n\n**Wen:** If you are able to get the updated Covid-19 vaccine, you should do so. If you are especially vulnerable to severe disease, try to avoid crowded indoor settings. If you must be in these settings though, consider wearing a well-fitting N95 mask or an equivalent. Finally, anyone experiencing respiratory symptoms should stay home to reduce the chance of spreading not only the coronavirus but also other respiratory viruses.\n\nGet inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple. 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A Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All Rights Reserved.   \n CNN Sans ™ & © 2016 Cable News Network.\n\n## Download the CNN app\nScan the QR code to download the CNN app on Google Play.\n\n![Scan the QR code to download the CNN app from Google Play.](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/media\/sites\/cnn\/google-play-cnn-app-qr-code.png)\n\n## Download the CNN app\nScan the QR code to download the CNN app from the Apple Store.\n\n![Scan the QR code to download the CNN app from the Apple Store.](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/media\/sites\/cnn\/app-store-cnn-app-qr-code.png)\n\n![CNN Logo](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/media\/sites\/cnn\/cnn.svg)\n\n## Legal Terms and Privacy\nBy clicking Agree, you have read and agree to the Terms of Use and agree to the collection and use of your information by cookies and similar technologies, as set forth in our Privacy Policy.\n\nBy clicking \"Agree\", you have read and agree to the [Terms of Use](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/terms) and agree to the collection and use of your information by cookies and similar technologies, as set forth in our [Privacy Policy](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/privacy).\n\n[Agree](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/2025\/09\/12\/health\/virus-covid-nasal-spray-allergies-wellness)","attrs_readable_markdown":"Amid the uncertainty surrounding [eligibility for](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/2025\/08\/27\/health\/covid-vaccines-fda) and [access to](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/2025\/09\/04\/politics\/takeaways-rfk-jr-hearing-health) the latest Covid-19 vaccine, a new study has found that a common nasal spray could help prevent infection.\n\nThis randomized placebo-controlled trial examined the effectiveness of the nasal spray azelastine in preventing Covid-19 infection, as published in the journal [JAMA Internal Medicine](https:\/\/jamanetwork.com\/journals\/jamainternalmedicine\/fullarticle\/2838335?&utm_source=BulletinHealthCare&utm_medium=email&utm_term=090325&utm_content=NON-MEMBER&utm_campaign=article_alert-morning_rounds_daily&utm_uid=3402323&utm_effort=DAMR01) on September 2. Researchers concluded that the chance of developing Covid-19 was about three times lower in the azelastine group compared with the placebo group.\n\nWhat is azelastine, and do these study results mean we should start stocking up on this nasal spray? And, as coronavirus cases are [once again rising](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/covid\/php\/surveillance\/index.html), what precautions should people take to reduce their chances of infection?\n\nAd Feedback\n\nTo help with these questions, I spoke with CNN wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and clinical associate professor at George Washington University. Wen previously was Baltimore’s health commissioner.\n\n**CNN: What is azelastine nasal spray, and what is it currently approved for?**\n\n**Dr. Leana Wen:** Azelastine nasal spray, also referred to as the brand names Astelin and Astepro, is an [antihistamine](https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/drugs-supplements\/azelastine-nasal-route\/description\/drg-20068252) used to relieve symptoms of allergies, including stuffy or runny nose, itching, and sneezing. The medication is approved for both seasonal allergic rhinitis and perennial allergic rhinitis.\n\nSeasonal allergic rhinitis is what most people think of as hay fever — allergy symptoms that flare up at certain times of the year, usually in the spring, summer or fall, when pollen from trees, grasses or weeds is in the air. Perennial allergic rhinitis,on the other hand, causes symptoms year-round. The condition is triggered by things that can be found throughout the year, such as dust mites, pet dander and mold.\n\nFirst approved by the [US Food and Drug Administration](https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/files\/advisory%20committees\/published\/Astepro-Safety-and-Utilization-Review.pdf) in 1996, this medication is now available in generic forms. A physician’s prescription is required, though one brand name called Astepro Allergy can now be purchased over the counter at pharmacies.\n\n**CNN: Why did researchers test this nasal spray to prevent respiratory illnesses?**\n\n**Wen:** Early in the pandemic, scientists looked at whether medications already on the market could be repurposed to fight Covid-19. Azelastine showed promise in some laboratory studies.\n\n[One study](https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/pii\/S0042682221001136?via%3Dihub) found that azelastine could bind to a receptor that the coronavirus uses to access human cells. [Another report](https:\/\/www.frontiersin.org\/journals\/pharmacology\/articles\/10.3389\/fphar.2022.861295\/full) suggested that this antihistamine reduced virus levels in nasal tissue. And [a third](https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/38140540\/) found that the medication may have a broader antiviral effect against other respiratory viruses, including the influenza virus.\n\nBecause this nasal spray is widely available, researchers wanted to test it on human participants in a rigorous setting to see whether azelastine could, in fact, reduce coronavirus infection. If so, this medication could be an inexpensive way to boost protection.\n\n**CNN: How was this new study performed, and what did it show?**\n\n**Wen:** This study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 clinical trial involving 450 healthy adult volunteers in Germany, nearly all of whom (99.1%) had been vaccinated at least once with the Covid-19 vaccine. Participants were randomized to two groups. In one group, azelastine nasal spray was applied to each nostril three times a day for an average of 56 days. The other group received a placebo spray. Participants were tested for Covid-19 infection twice a week by rapid antigen test.\n\nResearchers confirmed positive tests with laboratory polymerase chain reaction, or PCR,testing. Patients who tested positive for Covid-19 continued rapid antigen testing each day until the result was negative, so researchers could see how long the infection lasted. The study team also monitored participants for infection with other respiratory viruses, including the common cold coronaviruses, influenza, rhinovirus and parainfluenza.\n\nResearchers found that the incidence of Covid-19 infection was significantly lower in the azelastine group compared with the placebo group. In the former, five of 227 participants (2.2%) tested positive, compared with 15 of 223 participants (6.7%) in the placebo group. The mean duration of having a positive test was also shorter in the azelastine group (3.40 days) compared with the placebo group (5.14 days).\n\nWhat’s interesting is that the azelastine group was also less likely to contract other respiratory viruses. The total number of participants with a laboratory-confirmed infection of any of the viruses tested was 19 out of 227 (8.4%) in the azelastine group versus 42 out of 223 (18.8%) in the placebo group. Participants in the azelastine group also reported an average of only 1.73 illness days compared with 2.75 days for those in the placebo group.\n\n**CNN: How convincing are these results?**\n\n**Wen:** I think this was a well-designed study that points to a protective effect of azelastine nasal spray against SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses. The findings suggest that azelastine could be used as a preventive treatment against infection.\n\nAs the authors noted, the percentage reduction in Covid-19 infection is on par with what has been seen for other preventive measures, such as being up-to-date on Covid vaccines. These results are especially encouraging since azelastine nasal spray is inexpensive and widely available — not to mention that it already has decades of safety data. These findings are an important first step and set the stage for other clinical trials to see whether azelastine can reliably reduce the risk of respiratory virus infections.\n\n**CNN: Should people start using azelastine to prevent infections now?**\n\n**Wen:** Although the results are promising, keep in mind that the study was fairly small. The FDA has not approved azelastine to prevent Covid-19 or any other infection. I certainly would not encourage people to use the spray instead of other preventive measures, such as vaccination and masking.\n\n**CNN: Speaking of those other measures, what precautions should people consider as coronavirus cases are rising once again?**\n\n**Wen:** If you are able to get the updated Covid-19 vaccine, you should do so. If you are especially vulnerable to severe disease, try to avoid crowded indoor settings. If you must be in these settings though, consider wearing a well-fitting N95 mask or an equivalent. Finally, anyone experiencing respiratory symptoms should stay home to reduce the chance of spreading not only the coronavirus but also other respiratory viruses.\n\nGet inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple. Sign up for [CNN’s Life, But Better newsletter](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/newsletters\/life-but-better?source=nl-acq_article) for information and tools designed to improve your well-being.","meta_canonical":null}

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Meta Title	A common nasal spray may help prevent Covid. What a new study shows \| CNN
Meta Description	A common nasal spray may lower the risk of getting Covid-19, a new study shows. Dr. Leana Wen discusses what this all means as coronavirus cases rise.
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Boilerpipe Text	Amid the uncertainty surrounding eligibility for and access to the latest Covid-19 vaccine, a new study has found that a common nasal spray could help prevent infection. This randomized placebo-controlled trial examined the effectiveness of the nasal spray azelastine in preventing Covid-19 infection, as published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine on September 2. Researchers concluded that the chance of developing Covid-19 was about three times lower in the azelastine group compared with the placebo group. What is azelastine, and do these study results mean we should start stocking up on this nasal spray? And, as coronavirus cases are once again rising , what precautions should people take to reduce their chances of infection? Ad Feedback To help with these questions, I spoke with CNN wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and clinical associate professor at George Washington University. Wen previously was Baltimore’s health commissioner. CNN: What is azelastine nasal spray, and what is it currently approved for? Dr. Leana Wen: Azelastine nasal spray, also referred to as the brand names Astelin and Astepro, is an antihistamine used to relieve symptoms of allergies, including stuffy or runny nose, itching, and sneezing. The medication is approved for both seasonal allergic rhinitis and perennial allergic rhinitis. Seasonal allergic rhinitis is what most people think of as hay fever — allergy symptoms that flare up at certain times of the year, usually in the spring, summer or fall, when pollen from trees, grasses or weeds is in the air. Perennial allergic rhinitis, on the other hand, causes symptoms year-round. The condition is triggered by things that can be found throughout the year, such as dust mites, pet dander and mold. First approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 1996, this medication is now available in generic forms. A physician’s prescription is required, though one brand name called Astepro Allergy can now be purchased over the counter at pharmacies. CNN: Why did researchers test this nasal spray to prevent respiratory illnesses? Wen: Early in the pandemic, scientists looked at whether medications already on the market could be repurposed to fight Covid-19. Azelastine showed promise in some laboratory studies. One study found that azelastine could bind to a receptor that the coronavirus uses to access human cells. Another report suggested that this antihistamine reduced virus levels in nasal tissue. And a third found that the medication may have a broader antiviral effect against other respiratory viruses, including the influenza virus. Because this nasal spray is widely available, researchers wanted to test it on human participants in a rigorous setting to see whether azelastine could, in fact, reduce coronavirus infection. If so, this medication could be an inexpensive way to boost protection. CNN: How was this new study performed, and what did it show? Wen: This study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 clinical trial involving 450 healthy adult volunteers in Germany, nearly all of whom (99.1%) had been vaccinated at least once with the Covid-19 vaccine. Participants were randomized to two groups. In one group, azelastine nasal spray was applied to each nostril three times a day for an average of 56 days. The other group received a placebo spray. Participants were tested for Covid-19 infection twice a week by rapid antigen test. Researchers confirmed positive tests with laboratory polymerase chain reaction, or PCR, testing. Patients who tested positive for Covid-19 continued rapid antigen testing each day until the result was negative, so researchers could see how long the infection lasted. The study team also monitored participants for infection with other respiratory viruses, including the common cold coronaviruses, influenza, rhinovirus and parainfluenza. Researchers found that the incidence of Covid-19 infection was significantly lower in the azelastine group compared with the placebo group. In the former, five of 227 participants (2.2%) tested positive, compared with 15 of 223 participants (6.7%) in the placebo group. The mean duration of having a positive test was also shorter in the azelastine group (3.40 days) compared with the placebo group (5.14 days). What’s interesting is that the azelastine group was also less likely to contract other respiratory viruses. The total number of participants with a laboratory-confirmed infection of any of the viruses tested was 19 out of 227 (8.4%) in the azelastine group versus 42 out of 223 (18.8%) in the placebo group. Participants in the azelastine group also reported an average of only 1.73 illness days compared with 2.75 days for those in the placebo group. CNN: How convincing are these results? Wen: I think this was a well-designed study that points to a protective effect of azelastine nasal spray against SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses. The findings suggest that azelastine could be used as a preventive treatment against infection. As the authors noted, the percentage reduction in Covid-19 infection is on par with what has been seen for other preventive measures, such as being up-to-date on Covid vaccines. These results are especially encouraging since azelastine nasal spray is inexpensive and widely available — not to mention that it already has decades of safety data. These findings are an important first step and set the stage for other clinical trials to see whether azelastine can reliably reduce the risk of respiratory virus infections. CNN: Should people start using azelastine to prevent infections now? Wen: Although the results are promising, keep in mind that the study was fairly small. The FDA has not approved azelastine to prevent Covid-19 or any other infection. I certainly would not encourage people to use the spray instead of other preventive measures, such as vaccination and masking. CNN: Speaking of those other measures, what precautions should people consider as coronavirus cases are rising once again? Wen: If you are able to get the updated Covid-19 vaccine, you should do so. If you are especially vulnerable to severe disease, try to avoid crowded indoor settings. If you must be in these settings though, consider wearing a well-fitting N95 mask or an equivalent. Finally, anyone experiencing respiratory symptoms should stay home to reduce the chance of spreading not only the coronavirus but also other respiratory viruses. Get inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple. Sign up for CNN’s Life, But Better newsletter for information and tools designed to improve your well-being.
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What a new study shows By [![](https://www.cnn.com/media/sites/cnn/cnn-fallback-image.jpg)](https://www.cnn.com/profiles/katia-hetter)[Katia Hetter](https://www.cnn.com/profiles/katia-hetter) Updated Sep 12, 2025, 1:12 PM ET Published Sep 12, 2025, 8:21 AM ET Updated Sep 12, 2025 Updated Sep 12, 2025, 1:12 PM ET PUBLISHED Sep 12, 2025, 8:21 AM ET Unable to load video Please try again later. Error occurred while fetching labs Subtitles - Off Video Ad Feedback Dr. Sanjay Gupta on the impact of Covid-19 five years later 2:12 • Source: [CNN](https://www.cnn.com/) Dr. Sanjay Gupta on the impact of Covid-19 five years later 2:12 Respiratory viruses Prescription drugs New in medicine Vaccines [See all topics](https://www.cnn.com/follow) Facebook Tweet [Email](mailto:?subject=CNN%20content%20share&body=Check%20out%20this%20article%3A%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2025%2F09%2F12%2Fhealth%2Fvirus-covid-nasal-spray-allergies-wellness "Share with email") Link Threads Link Copied\! Amid the uncertainty surrounding [eligibility for](https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/27/health/covid-vaccines-fda) and [access to](https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/04/politics/takeaways-rfk-jr-hearing-health) the latest Covid-19 vaccine, a new study has found that a common nasal spray could help prevent infection. This randomized placebo-controlled trial examined the effectiveness of the nasal spray azelastine in preventing Covid-19 infection, as published in the journal [JAMA Internal Medicine](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2838335?&utm_source=BulletinHealthCare&utm_medium=email&utm_term=090325&utm_content=NON-MEMBER&utm_campaign=article_alert-morning_rounds_daily&utm_uid=3402323&utm_effort=DAMR01) on September 2. Researchers concluded that the chance of developing Covid-19 was about three times lower in the azelastine group compared with the placebo group. [Related article ![Aerial view of large number of people walking on the city square on the sunny day - stock photo](https://www.cnn.com/media/sites/cnn/cnn-fallback-image.jpg) Aerial view of large number of people walking on the city square on the sunny day - stock photo Alexander Spatari/Moment RF/Getty Images US death rate dropped back to pre-Covid levels in 2024, CDC report says](https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/10/health/us-mortality-death-rate-2024-cdc) What is azelastine, and do these study results mean we should start stocking up on this nasal spray? And, as coronavirus cases are [once again rising](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/php/surveillance/index.html), what precautions should people take to reduce their chances of infection? Ad Feedback To help with these questions, I spoke with CNN wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and clinical associate professor at George Washington University. Wen previously was Baltimore’s health commissioner. CNN: What is azelastine nasal spray, and what is it currently approved for? Dr. Leana Wen: Azelastine nasal spray, also referred to as the brand names Astelin and Astepro, is an [antihistamine](https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/azelastine-nasal-route/description/drg-20068252) used to relieve symptoms of allergies, including stuffy or runny nose, itching, and sneezing. The medication is approved for both seasonal allergic rhinitis and perennial allergic rhinitis. Seasonal allergic rhinitis is what most people think of as hay fever — allergy symptoms that flare up at certain times of the year, usually in the spring, summer or fall, when pollen from trees, grasses or weeds is in the air. Perennial allergic rhinitis,on the other hand, causes symptoms year-round. The condition is triggered by things that can be found throughout the year, such as dust mites, pet dander and mold. First approved by the [US Food and Drug Administration](https://www.fda.gov/files/advisory%20committees/published/Astepro-Safety-and-Utilization-Review.pdf) in 1996, this medication is now available in generic forms. A physician’s prescription is required, though one brand name called Astepro Allergy can now be purchased over the counter at pharmacies. ![Medications such as the nasal spray azelastine were studied early in the pandemic to see whether they could be repurposed against Covid-19.](https://www.cnn.com/media/sites/cnn/cnn-fallback-image.jpg) Medications such as the nasal spray azelastine were studied early in the pandemic to see whether they could be repurposed against Covid-19. Ridofranz/iStockphoto/Getty Images CNN: Why did researchers test this nasal spray to prevent respiratory illnesses? Wen: Early in the pandemic, scientists looked at whether medications already on the market could be repurposed to fight Covid-19. Azelastine showed promise in some laboratory studies. [One study](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0042682221001136?via%3Dihub) found that azelastine could bind to a receptor that the coronavirus uses to access human cells. [Another report](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.861295/full) suggested that this antihistamine reduced virus levels in nasal tissue. And [a third](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38140540/) found that the medication may have a broader antiviral effect against other respiratory viruses, including the influenza virus. Because this nasal spray is widely available, researchers wanted to test it on human participants in a rigorous setting to see whether azelastine could, in fact, reduce coronavirus infection. If so, this medication could be an inexpensive way to boost protection. [Related article ![The FDA approved Enflonsia, a new monoclonal antibody made by Merck, to protect infants from RSV.](https://www.cnn.com/media/sites/cnn/cnn-fallback-image.jpg) The FDA approved Enflonsia, a new monoclonal antibody made by Merck, to protect infants from RSV. Merck Newly approved antibody could offer another option for protecting infants from RSV, a common infection that can be deadly](https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/10/health/rsv-antibody-enflonsia) CNN: How was this new study performed, and what did it show? Wen: This study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 clinical trial involving 450 healthy adult volunteers in Germany, nearly all of whom (99.1%) had been vaccinated at least once with the Covid-19 vaccine. Participants were randomized to two groups. In one group, azelastine nasal spray was applied to each nostril three times a day for an average of 56 days. The other group received a placebo spray. Participants were tested for Covid-19 infection twice a week by rapid antigen test. Researchers confirmed positive tests with laboratory polymerase chain reaction, or PCR,testing. Patients who tested positive for Covid-19 continued rapid antigen testing each day until the result was negative, so researchers could see how long the infection lasted. The study team also monitored participants for infection with other respiratory viruses, including the common cold coronaviruses, influenza, rhinovirus and parainfluenza. Researchers found that the incidence of Covid-19 infection was significantly lower in the azelastine group compared with the placebo group. In the former, five of 227 participants (2.2%) tested positive, compared with 15 of 223 participants (6.7%) in the placebo group. The mean duration of having a positive test was also shorter in the azelastine group (3.40 days) compared with the placebo group (5.14 days). What’s interesting is that the azelastine group was also less likely to contract other respiratory viruses. The total number of participants with a laboratory-confirmed infection of any of the viruses tested was 19 out of 227 (8.4%) in the azelastine group versus 42 out of 223 (18.8%) in the placebo group. Participants in the azelastine group also reported an average of only 1.73 illness days compared with 2.75 days for those in the placebo group. [Related article ![Shivani Agarwal, left, sits with her daughter daughter Kiran, 3, during the observation period after Kiran was inoculated with the first dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for children 6 months through 4 years old, Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at Montefiore Medical Group in the Bronx borough of New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)](https://www.cnn.com/media/sites/cnn/cnn-fallback-image.jpg) Shivani Agarwal, left, sits with her daughter daughter Kiran, 3, during the observation period after Kiran was inoculated with the first dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for children 6 months through 4 years old, Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at Montefiore Medical Group in the Bronx borough of New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer) Mary Altaffer/AP In break with current CDC recommendations, leading pediatrics group recommends Covid-19 shots for young children](https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/19/health/covid-vaccine-recommendation-aap) CNN: How convincing are these results? Wen: I think this was a well-designed study that points to a protective effect of azelastine nasal spray against SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses. The findings suggest that azelastine could be used as a preventive treatment against infection. As the authors noted, the percentage reduction in Covid-19 infection is on par with what has been seen for other preventive measures, such as being up-to-date on Covid vaccines. These results are especially encouraging since azelastine nasal spray is inexpensive and widely available — not to mention that it already has decades of safety data. These findings are an important first step and set the stage for other clinical trials to see whether azelastine can reliably reduce the risk of respiratory virus infections. CNN: Should people start using azelastine to prevent infections now? Wen: Although the results are promising, keep in mind that the study was fairly small. The FDA has not approved azelastine to prevent Covid-19 or any other infection. I certainly would not encourage people to use the spray instead of other preventive measures, such as vaccination and masking. [Related article ![WHITE OAK, MD - JULY 20: A sign for the Food And Drug Administration is seen outside of the headquarters on July 20, 2020 in White Oak, Maryland. (Photo by Sarah Silbiger/Getty Images)](https://www.cnn.com/media/sites/cnn/cnn-fallback-image.jpg) WHITE OAK, MD - JULY 20: A sign for the Food And Drug Administration is seen outside of the headquarters on July 20, 2020 in White Oak, Maryland. (Photo by Sarah Silbiger/Getty Images) Sarah Silbiger/Getty Images/FILE These are the conditions that make you eligible for an updated Covid-19 vaccine](https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/30/health/covid-19-vaccine-eligibility-medical-conditions-wellness) CNN: Speaking of those other measures, what precautions should people consider as coronavirus cases are rising once again? Wen: If you are able to get the updated Covid-19 vaccine, you should do so. If you are especially vulnerable to severe disease, try to avoid crowded indoor settings. If you must be in these settings though, consider wearing a well-fitting N95 mask or an equivalent. Finally, anyone experiencing respiratory symptoms should stay home to reduce the chance of spreading not only the coronavirus but also other respiratory viruses. Get inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple. Sign up for [CNN’s Life, But Better newsletter](https://www.cnn.com/newsletters/life-but-better?source=nl-acq_article) for information and tools designed to improve your well-being. Respiratory viruses Prescription drugs New in medicine Vaccines [See all topics](https://www.cnn.com/follow) Facebook Tweet [Email](mailto:?subject=CNN%20content%20share&body=Check%20out%20this%20article%3A%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2025%2F09%2F12%2Fhealth%2Fvirus-covid-nasal-spray-allergies-wellness "Share with email") Link Threads Link Copied\! 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Readable Markdown	Amid the uncertainty surrounding [eligibility for](https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/27/health/covid-vaccines-fda) and [access to](https://www.cnn.com/2025/09/04/politics/takeaways-rfk-jr-hearing-health) the latest Covid-19 vaccine, a new study has found that a common nasal spray could help prevent infection. This randomized placebo-controlled trial examined the effectiveness of the nasal spray azelastine in preventing Covid-19 infection, as published in the journal [JAMA Internal Medicine](https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2838335?&utm_source=BulletinHealthCare&utm_medium=email&utm_term=090325&utm_content=NON-MEMBER&utm_campaign=article_alert-morning_rounds_daily&utm_uid=3402323&utm_effort=DAMR01) on September 2. Researchers concluded that the chance of developing Covid-19 was about three times lower in the azelastine group compared with the placebo group. What is azelastine, and do these study results mean we should start stocking up on this nasal spray? And, as coronavirus cases are [once again rising](https://www.cdc.gov/covid/php/surveillance/index.html), what precautions should people take to reduce their chances of infection? Ad Feedback To help with these questions, I spoke with CNN wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and clinical associate professor at George Washington University. Wen previously was Baltimore’s health commissioner. CNN: What is azelastine nasal spray, and what is it currently approved for? Dr. Leana Wen: Azelastine nasal spray, also referred to as the brand names Astelin and Astepro, is an [antihistamine](https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/azelastine-nasal-route/description/drg-20068252) used to relieve symptoms of allergies, including stuffy or runny nose, itching, and sneezing. The medication is approved for both seasonal allergic rhinitis and perennial allergic rhinitis. Seasonal allergic rhinitis is what most people think of as hay fever — allergy symptoms that flare up at certain times of the year, usually in the spring, summer or fall, when pollen from trees, grasses or weeds is in the air. Perennial allergic rhinitis,on the other hand, causes symptoms year-round. The condition is triggered by things that can be found throughout the year, such as dust mites, pet dander and mold. First approved by the [US Food and Drug Administration](https://www.fda.gov/files/advisory%20committees/published/Astepro-Safety-and-Utilization-Review.pdf) in 1996, this medication is now available in generic forms. A physician’s prescription is required, though one brand name called Astepro Allergy can now be purchased over the counter at pharmacies. CNN: Why did researchers test this nasal spray to prevent respiratory illnesses? Wen: Early in the pandemic, scientists looked at whether medications already on the market could be repurposed to fight Covid-19. Azelastine showed promise in some laboratory studies. [One study](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0042682221001136?via%3Dihub) found that azelastine could bind to a receptor that the coronavirus uses to access human cells. [Another report](https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.861295/full) suggested that this antihistamine reduced virus levels in nasal tissue. And [a third](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38140540/) found that the medication may have a broader antiviral effect against other respiratory viruses, including the influenza virus. Because this nasal spray is widely available, researchers wanted to test it on human participants in a rigorous setting to see whether azelastine could, in fact, reduce coronavirus infection. If so, this medication could be an inexpensive way to boost protection. CNN: How was this new study performed, and what did it show? Wen: This study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 clinical trial involving 450 healthy adult volunteers in Germany, nearly all of whom (99.1%) had been vaccinated at least once with the Covid-19 vaccine. Participants were randomized to two groups. In one group, azelastine nasal spray was applied to each nostril three times a day for an average of 56 days. The other group received a placebo spray. Participants were tested for Covid-19 infection twice a week by rapid antigen test. Researchers confirmed positive tests with laboratory polymerase chain reaction, or PCR,testing. Patients who tested positive for Covid-19 continued rapid antigen testing each day until the result was negative, so researchers could see how long the infection lasted. The study team also monitored participants for infection with other respiratory viruses, including the common cold coronaviruses, influenza, rhinovirus and parainfluenza. Researchers found that the incidence of Covid-19 infection was significantly lower in the azelastine group compared with the placebo group. In the former, five of 227 participants (2.2%) tested positive, compared with 15 of 223 participants (6.7%) in the placebo group. The mean duration of having a positive test was also shorter in the azelastine group (3.40 days) compared with the placebo group (5.14 days). What’s interesting is that the azelastine group was also less likely to contract other respiratory viruses. The total number of participants with a laboratory-confirmed infection of any of the viruses tested was 19 out of 227 (8.4%) in the azelastine group versus 42 out of 223 (18.8%) in the placebo group. Participants in the azelastine group also reported an average of only 1.73 illness days compared with 2.75 days for those in the placebo group. CNN: How convincing are these results? Wen: I think this was a well-designed study that points to a protective effect of azelastine nasal spray against SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses. The findings suggest that azelastine could be used as a preventive treatment against infection. As the authors noted, the percentage reduction in Covid-19 infection is on par with what has been seen for other preventive measures, such as being up-to-date on Covid vaccines. These results are especially encouraging since azelastine nasal spray is inexpensive and widely available — not to mention that it already has decades of safety data. These findings are an important first step and set the stage for other clinical trials to see whether azelastine can reliably reduce the risk of respiratory virus infections. CNN: Should people start using azelastine to prevent infections now? Wen: Although the results are promising, keep in mind that the study was fairly small. The FDA has not approved azelastine to prevent Covid-19 or any other infection. I certainly would not encourage people to use the spray instead of other preventive measures, such as vaccination and masking. CNN: Speaking of those other measures, what precautions should people consider as coronavirus cases are rising once again? Wen: If you are able to get the updated Covid-19 vaccine, you should do so. If you are especially vulnerable to severe disease, try to avoid crowded indoor settings. If you must be in these settings though, consider wearing a well-fitting N95 mask or an equivalent. Finally, anyone experiencing respiratory symptoms should stay home to reduce the chance of spreading not only the coronavirus but also other respiratory viruses. Get inspired by a weekly roundup on living well, made simple. Sign up for [CNN’s Life, But Better newsletter](https://www.cnn.com/newsletters/life-but-better?source=nl-acq_article) for information and tools designed to improve your well-being.
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