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.