Medicines are to make us feel better, either by treating the disease or reducing symptoms. But sometimes, some drugs may have unexpected side effects that can make things worse, especially during the outbreak of a virus.

A team of scientists in Norway has now found that a commonly used group of anti -inflammatory drugs called inhibitors, or JAK inhibitors can actually make it easier to spread inside the body for viruses such as influenza and Kovid -19.

Their findings are published in NAR molecular medicine.

These drugs are often used to treat chronic conditions such as rheumatism and other autoimmune diseases.

But according to researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), they can also reduce the body’s natural defense against the virus.

“We have found a surprising and potentially serious side effects of these drugs. They can help the virus spread to the body more easily,” said Dennis Canov, Professor Dennis Canov of NTNU’s clinical and molecular medical department.

In simple terms, drugs weaken an important signaling process in the immune system, a one that helps prevent healthy cells from getting infected.

When this passage is blocked, the body’s ability to detect and fight decreases.

The research team tested the effects of JAK inhibitors on human cells taken from the lungs, eyes and brain.

He also studied the mini-organs grown in the laboratory and used advanced gene analysis tools.

They found that drugs like Barisitinib are usually used for arthritis, slowing down the activity of some genes that kick in action on attacking a virus.

These genes act like a security system in the body. When it is down, viruses such as adenovirus, and influenza A can spread rapidly.

Erland Rawalo, the lead author of the study, said the findings suggest that while JAK inhibitors are useful in the management of inflammation, they can carry hidden risks during viral infections, especially for people with a weaker immune system.

“Doctors should be careful while determining these drugs, especially during the time when viruses such as Covid -19 or Flu are wandering widely,” Rawo said.

However, researchers also stated that in a controlled environment, such as vaccine development or pharmaceutical screening, this side effect can really help.

For example, it becomes easy to test how well a new antiviral treatment works.

Scientists are now calling for more research on how these drugs work in real world situation.