"When You Have a Fever, Take Tylenol" Hong Hye-gul in Heated Debate with Jin Joong-kwon... WHO Also Warns "Ibuprofen is Risky"

WHO "Fever Reducer Recommendation"
Jin Joong-kwon "Use 'Genuine' Medical Advice, Not 'Unofficial'"

Hong Hye-gul Medical Specialist Reporter / Photo by Hong Hye-gul Facebook

[Asia Economy Reporter Suwan Kim] The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that people suspected of having the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) should not take the anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen without consulting a doctor. In this context, Dr. Hye-gul Hong, a medical doctor and broadcaster who is the head of the medical channel 'Biondwi,' once again emphasized taking Tylenol.

On the 17th, Hong posted on his Facebook, "If you have a fever at this time, take Tylenol."

He also shared an article titled 'WHO: "Risk of Taking Anti-inflammatory Ibuprofen for COVID-19"' which included content where Christian Lindmeier, WHO spokesperson, stated that research is being conducted on the possible negative effects related to ibuprofen.

Earlier, on the 15th, Hong said, "If you have a fever now, take Tylenol," adding, "Aspirin, Brufen, Naxen, and other anti-inflammatory fever reducers are said to have a negative impact on COVID-19 prognosis. Tylenol has pain-relieving and fever-reducing effects but no anti-inflammatory action, so it is safe."

These remarks by Hong sparked controversy.

Jin Joong-kwon, former professor at Dongyang University, commented on Hong's statement, saying, "Not only the source but also the authenticity is unclear. It is said that infodemics (a combination of information and epidemics) are scarier than epidemics," adding, "At times like this, medical advice should be 'genuine,' not 'amateurish.'"

He continued, "Trust the quarantine authorities and follow their instructions. Do not be deceived by strange rumors and hoard medicines. If you show suspicious symptoms, first contact the health authorities and seek advice on what medicine to take and how."

In response, Hong posted on Facebook, refuting, "This is a well-founded story reported by major global media such as The New York Times and The Guardian."

Meanwhile, Christian Lindmeier, WHO spokesperson, stated, "There is no recent study clarifying the correlation between anti-inflammatory drugs and mortality, but experts are currently investigating this issue," and added, "We recommend fever reducers (paracetamol), not ibuprofen."