ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF DEHUMIDIFYING POISON GRANULES ON RECOVERY AND ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE IN COVID-19 PATIENTS INFECTED WITH THE OMICRON STRAIN

Abstract

Purpose: This study assesses the efficacy and safety of Dehumidifying Poison Granules in treating athletes and general populations infected with the COVID-19 Omicron strain, examining its impact on recovery and return to physical activities. Methods: Between March and April 2022, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 421 COVID-19 patients (204 in the test group using Dehumidifying Poison Granules, and 217 in the control group without the treatment) across three zones. The study evaluated the effectiveness based on symptom score changes, nucleic acid negative conversion rates, and safety through the incidence of adverse reactions. Results: The test group showed significantly higher rates of symptom resolution and total effectiveness (31.52% cure rate and 90.91% effectiveness) compared to the control group (18.82% cure rate and 83.53% effectiveness), with statistical significance (P ≤ 0.05). Notable differences were also observed in nucleic acid negative conversion on the 7th and 10th days. Symptom scores improved significantly in the test group, with notable differences in fatigue, nausea/loss of appetite, and diarrhea when compared horizontally with the control group. The nucleic acid negative conversion rates also differed significantly for asymptomatic patients on the 7th and 10th day (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: Dehumidifying Poison Granules are effective and safe for treating COVID-19 infections caused by the Omicron strain, enhancing recovery, and potentially facilitating a quicker return to athletic activities. This suggests a promising avenue for managing health in athletes and active populations during pandemics.