Quinine, Quinine Derivatives, and other Therapeutic Agents in Historical Flu Pandemics and COVID-19 Tarihsel Grip Pandemilerinde Kinin, Kinin Türevleri ile Diğer Tedavi Araçları ve COVID-19

Abstract

Influenza/flu has, throughout history, caused epidemics and at times pandemics, claiming numerous lives. In periods when science had not yet advanced, its causative agent could not be understood; only many years later was it determined that the agents were influenza A, B, and C viruses of the Orthomyxoviridae family with differing virulence. The aim of this article is to present the therapeutic agents—foremost quinine and its derivatives—used during the historically significant 1889-1892 and 1918 influenza pandemics and their subsequent epidemics, and to address the experience with hydroxychloroquine in COVID-19. Information was obtained through historical research using official and private archives, period sources, newspapers, and printed and electronic materials. Findings indicate that quinine was used because of its success in treating malaria; however, its effectiveness in treating influenza remains debated. Non-opioid analgesics and antipyretics reduced fever and pain, while traditional remedies eased symptoms. During COVID-19, hydroxychloroquine was likewise shown to be ineffective. This study demonstrates the historical continuity of these therapeutic approaches.