Imagine a nasal spray that could stop you from getting sick.
Researchers in Maryland are testing an experimental treatment designed to block common respiratory viruses, from colds, the flu and even COVID-19.
Their goal is to create a new tool to keep us healthy during cold and flu season and avoid illnesses and missed days from school and work.
News4 spoke with volunteers who are helping test the treatment at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.
“Working in psychology and going through college, I really appreciated research,” therapist Michael Ostermayer said about why he’s participating.
Each week, participants spray a powder into each nostril, similar to how people use Flonase for allergies.
“Unlike a vaccine or a drug, this is actually meant to boost our immune response against all viruses,” Dr. Kirsten Lyke explained.
The spray is meant to work by strengthening the body’s first line of defense, targeting bacteria and cells in the lining of your nose. By stimulating the immune response, scientists hope the body can clear viruses faster or block them altogether.
“Most of the viruses that we get in the cold and flu season are taken up through our nasal passageways, which have a lot of blood supply. And if we can boost the immune response locally, then maybe we can block the uptake of those viruses, or at least prevent them from becoming serious,” Lyke said.
The clinical trial is still in the early stages and testing for safety. Next year, an additional 900 volunteers will be recruited to see how well the spray works.
Lyke said she’s optimistic that a spray like this could someday be available over the counter, without a prescription, for people of all ages.
“It really could be a game-changer because it would be the first kind of product of its kind that reduces a whole collection of viruses,” she said. “In an ideal world, if this works really well, it would something that you could just pop down to the grocery store or your neighborhood convenience store and pick up nasal spray during the cold and flu season and protect yourself.”
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 23 million people have gotten the flu so far this season. The CDC said 300,000 have been hospitalized and 19,000 have died.
Beyond the flu, countless people miss work, school and time with family because of everyday viral infections.
For Ostermayer, a father of two, the goal is to boost his family’s immunity and keep everyone out of the doctor’s office.
“I have absolutely noticed, whether it’s them going to school or being around their friends, just as soon as I had kids, I started getting sick a lot more,” he said.
The Maryland Department of Health confirmed an increase in mumps cases in the state. News4’s Jackie Bensen reports.
Viral infections are common this time of year and there’s no cure for most of them. Doctors typically say to rest and drink lots of fluids. This could change that, potentially offering a new tool for treatment.
Clinical trial participant Ethan McCaslin, a Ph.D. student, said he’s hopeful the spray could help people get healthier faster or avoid getting sick.
“I have a grandma that is in her late 80s, and it’s definitely the kind of thing where when sick, I don’t want to interact with her as much to make sure she stays healthy. So, limiting that kind of exposure would definitely be better for my relationship with her,” he said.