From the Guidelines
Treatment for Coronavirus OC43 primarily involves managing symptoms, and prevention strategies such as hand hygiene and mask use are strongly recommended to reduce transmission. According to a recent evidence-based review 1, nonpharmacological interventions like hand hygiene and mask use are effective in reducing respiratory viral transmission. The review included 54 primary studies and found that hand hygiene and mask use are strong recommendations for prevention of viral transmission.
In terms of treatment, over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) at 325-650 mg every 4-6 hours or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) at 200-400 mg every 4-6 hours can help reduce fever and relieve pain. Nasal decongestants such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) 30-60 mg every 4-6 hours may alleviate congestion, while cough suppressants containing dextromethorphan can help control coughing. Rest and adequate hydration are essential components of recovery.
Prevention strategies include:
- Frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Using alcohol-based hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol when soap isn't available
- Avoiding close contact with sick individuals
- Regularly cleaning frequently touched surfaces
- Wearing masks in crowded settings
These measures are effective because OC43 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets and contact with contaminated surfaces, with the virus capable of surviving on surfaces for hours to days. Most OC43 infections resolve within 7-10 days without complications in healthy individuals, though they may pose greater risk to the elderly, very young children, and immunocompromised people. Additionally, there is evidence that coronaviruses, including OC43, may be associated with neuropsychiatric symptoms 1, highlighting the importance of prevention and management strategies.
From the Research
Treatment Options for Coronavirus OC43
- There are currently no specific antiviral drugs available to prevent or treat HCoV-OC43 infections 2.
- Chloroquine, a widely used antimalarial drug, has been shown to inhibit HCoV-OC43 replication in cell cultures and may be considered as a potential treatment option 2.
- Blocking virus-induced sialylation by targeting sialyltransferases (STs) may be a potential therapeutic strategy for treating HCoV-OC43 infections, as it could provide a broad-spectrum antiviral effect 3.
Prevention Options for Coronavirus OC43
- Appropriate hand hygiene practices with current alcohol-based disinfectants can sufficiently reduce the risk of contact transmission of HCoV-OC43 4.
- Disinfectants such as 1.0% chlorhexidine gluconate and 0.2% benzalkonium chloride have been shown to be effective against HCoV-OC43 4.
- Standard precautions, correct use of personal protective equipment, and proper cleaning and disinfecting are necessary to prevent healthcare-acquired infections, including those caused by HCoV-OC43 5.
- Further research into the cocirculation of endemic coronaviruses, such as HCoV-OC43, and the development of more flexible test panel designs are highly recommended to better understand and prevent HCoV-OC43 infections 6.