A new study warns that some common anti-inflammatory drugs, such as cortisone and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), may weaken the immune system's ability to fend off viruses, increasing the risk of infection.

According to a report by CTV News, the study's results show that these drugs, which are typically used to relieve pain and swelling, may hinder immune cell interactions with certain viruses, including respiratory viruses, allowing them to replicate more rapidly within the body.

The researchers stated that these findings do not mean one should immediately stop using anti-inflammatory medications, but they highlight the importance of using these drugs cautiously, especially during periods of viral infection outbreaks, such as flu season or in cases of respiratory infections.

The study emphasized the need for further research to understand the precise relationship between anti-inflammatory drugs and the body's response to viruses, particularly in patients with chronic diseases or weakened immune systems.