Medication, Nutrition, and Hygiene in COVID‐19 Prevention and Treatment: A Comprehensive Narrative Review

TL;DR

This review summarizes how medications, nutrition, and hygiene can help prevent and treat COVID-19.

Contribution

The paper provides an updated, integrated approach combining pharmacologic, nutritional, and preventive strategies for managing COVID-19.

Findings

Antiviral drugs like remdesivir and nirmatrelvir/ritonavir reduce mortality and hospitalizations.

Adjunctive therapies such as corticosteroids and NAC help modulate inflammation in severe cases.

Nutrients like vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids support immune function and reduce disease severity.

Abstract

Despite advances in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) prevention and treatment, emerging variants and persistent challenges continue to affect global health. Studies are retrieved from PubMed using title‐based searches for COVID‐19, SARS‐CoV‐2, and related therapies from 2020 to 2025, focusing on randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and clinical guidelines. This review explores treatments, nutrients, and adjuvant therapies that support the immune system in fighting COVID‐19. It highlights the role of antiviral medications such as remdesivir, nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, and molnupiravir in reducing mortality and hospitalizations. Additionally, adjunctive therapies like corticosteroids, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) inhibitors, Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, and N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) are discussed for their potential to modulate inflammation. Nutritional support, including omega‐3 fatty acids, vitamins D, C, and A, zinc, selenium, and probiotics, enhances immune function. Preventive measures, such as hygiene practices, wearing masks, and physical distancing, reduce transmission. An integrated approach that combines antiviral treatments with adjunctive therapies, prevention, and nutrition is crucial for improving outcomes.

This narrative review presents evidence from 2020 to 2025 on antiviral medications, adjunctive therapies, and nutritional interventions for COVID‐19. It highlights the roles of remdesivir, monupiravir, nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, corticosteroids, vitamins, and hygiene practices, emphasizing an integrated approach that combines pharmacologic treatments, immune support, and preventive strategies to improve patients' outcomes and reduce disease severity and transmission.

Figures