Budesonide, a drug commonly used for the treatment of asthma, has been found to decrease the need for hospitalization and also reduced the recovery time among COVID-19 patients when given within seven days of symptom onset.

Researchers at the University of Oxford noted in a 28-day study including 146 patients that inhaled budesonide led to a reduction in the risk of urgent care or hospitalization by around 90% in comparison with usual care. Additionally, fever resolved more quickly and there were fewer persistent symptoms among participants who were administered budesonide. Findings from the Oxford University study are not yet published in a peer-reviewed journal… (Reuters, February 9, 2021)