Prevention and Treatment of COVID-19 and Influenza with Bromhexine and High Doses of Colchicine

The Transmembrane Protease Serine S1 subtype 2 (TMPRSS2) and NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome are the main targets for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 and influenza. The TMPRSS2 is responsible for the penetration of the SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses into the cell, while the hyperactivation of the NLRP3 inflammasome can lead to a cytokine storm, multiorgan damage and death. The correct strategy for preventing illness from COVID-19 and influenza is to preemptively block the TMPRSS2. Preventing the cytokine storm in COVID-19 and influenza is only effective when inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome. Long-term prophylaxis with the TMPRSS2 inhibitor bromhexine hydrochloride and treatment with high doses of colchicine, able to inhibit the NLRP3 inflammasome, is a very effective, safe and inexpensive method against the spread and complications of COVID-19 and influenza.