Among the AR cohort, 122 individuals were undergoing sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT), while 483 were not. Interestingly, SLIT recipients had a higher incidence of respiratory symptoms but a lower risk of fever. The therapy did not significantly affect the likelihood of olfactory or gustatory dysfunctions.
These findings suggest that SLIT may alter inflammatory pathways in ways that influence systemic and respiratory manifestations of COVID-19. The dual nature of AR’s impact protective in some respects and risky in others highlights the complexity of immune interactions during viral infections.
Clinical Implications for India
With India witnessing high seasonal allergy rates and ongoing COVID-19 surveillance, these insights are particularly relevant. Clinicians should carefully assess respiratory symptoms in AR patients before initiating or continuing SLIT during active infection periods. Monitoring fever and sensory changes may also guide treatment decisions.
Experts recommend further research to understand the immunological mechanisms at play. Personalized treatment strategies could emerge from deeper analysis, especially in regions with high allergic disease prevalence.