Abstract
To observe upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) symptoms, rhinovirus levels and compliance with daily carrageenan nasal spray.
102 adults were randomized to carrageenan or saline placebo three times daily for 8 weeks and URTI symptoms were recorded. A control group (n = 42) only recorded URTI symptoms. Participants collected nasal swabs when symptomatic.
Regular daily carrageenan prophylaxis resulted in consistent but nonsignificant reductions in URTI symptoms versus the placebo group. Saline placebo decreased and increased some cold symptoms compared with no treatment.
Daily prophylactic administration of antiviral carrageenan may not significantly reduce URTI symptoms. Due to low compliance, use in a population with specific reasons to avoid URTIs may be more appropriate. Disease-specific outcomes may be more useful than symptom reporting.