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Researchers say steroids may significantly reduce risk of COVID-19 death

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Researchers in England say they have the first evidence that a drug can improve survival from COVID-19.

A commonly used steroid may significantly reduce the risk of dying in some of the worst coronavirus cases, according to researchers in the United Kingdom.

The study was led by the University of Oxford and involved thousands of patients randomly assigned to get the drug or just usual care.

Researchers say the steroid doesn't work on everyone, and the biggest benefits are for those who are hospitalized with ventilators. For those who don't require oxygen, the steroids showed no benefits.

Researchers add that those treating COVID-19 at home should not take the drug, as there are still outstanding questions.

The findings are preliminary and have not been published in a peer reviewed journal.