Procedures
fever
RECRUITMENT
After randomization, patients took LHQW (4 capsules [0.35g/capsule], thrice daily) or matching placebo for 14 consecutive days following hospitalization in designated hospitals (in mainland China) and out-patient recruitment (in the Phillipines, Thailand and Viet Nam). Both groups received standard-of-care consisting of antipyretics, analgesic drugs, nutrition supplementation and fluid replacement. Acetaminophen, the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, could be applied for ameliorating fever if the temperature reached 38.5 degrees or higher. Antivirals or medications with core components of LHQW were prohibited. Sites could follow local guidelines and protocols in their countries and regions. Patients attended four in-hospital (in mainland China) or out-patient (in Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines) visits (days 3, 7, 10 and an end-of-study visit, typically scheduled at day 14). Patients who prematurely discontinued treatment due to accelerated symptom recovery or other reasons could attend all planned visits. During the study, patients were requested to fill out the diary card twice daily to evaluate the changes in symptoms.