Participants
chronic illness, abnormal liver function, comorbidity
CHRONIC ILLNESS
Previously healthy adults aged 18–50 years were eligible for enrolment in the trial if they understood the procedures and requirements of the study and were able to give fully informed consent for full participation in the study; reported symptoms of COVID-19 for less than 4 days (<96 h); were SARS-CoV-2 positive, as defined either as a nasal lateral flow antigen test that became positive within 2 min (STANDARD Q COVID-19 Ag Test, SD Biosensor, Suwon-si, South Korea) or a positive PCR test with a cycle threshold value less than 25 (all viral gene targets) within the previous 24 h (both ensure the majority of recruited patients have high viral loads); had oxygen saturation 96% or higher measured by pulse oximetry at the time of screening; were unimpeded in activities of daily living; and agreed to adhere to all procedures, including availability and contact information for follow-up visits.Exclusion criteria included taking any concomitant medications or drugs, chronic illness or condition requiring long-term treatment or other clinically significant comorbidity, laboratory abnormalities at screening (haemoglobin <8 g/dL, platelet count <50 000 per μL, abnormal liver function tests, and estimated glomerular filtration rate <70 mL/min per 1·73 mAfter a detailed explanation of study procedures and requirements all patients provided fully informed written consent. Sex data were reported as they were recorded on the participant’s identity documents.