Discussion
COVID-19 has not significantly affected individuals with CF. Whether
there is one or combination of protective factors in CF such as medical
therapies related to CF, genetic, immunological or mucosal barrier from
thick secretions remains to be identified. Children with CF have
underlying lung disease that is associated with pulmonary exacerbation
by viral infections.
Previous studies have shown that salt can affect viruses. In a study by
Zhang et. al. [3], high salt was identified as a crucial regulator
of signaling. In another study by Siber and Podgornik [4] the
influence of salt was shown on encapsidation of single- stranded viral
RNA molecules. This influence was also shown on double stranded RNA at
250 mM sodium chloride. 5% hypertonic saline is equivalent to 0.85 mM
NaCl.
In a recent study of COVID-19 patients in China [5] who received
hydoxychloroquine, an antimalarial agent with anti-inflammatory and
immunomodulatory activities, showed the drug did not clear the patients
of the virus. The overall 28-day conversion rate was not different
between standard of care group and standard of care plus
hydroxychloroquine group.