Batting down rumors, the World Health Organization says it does not recommend against the use of ibuprofen to treat COVID-19 symptoms — though medical experts say that until more research is conducted it’s better to start with acetominophen for pain and fever reduction.

After posts swirled on social media that ibuprofen could worsen the effects of the novel coronavirus, the WHO said in a tweet: “Based on currently available information, WHO does not recommend against the use of ibuprofen.”

Confusion over whether ibuprofen could be used to treat symptoms of the coronavirus stemmed in part from recent statements by French health officials. Health Minister Oliver Veran warned last week against using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

The most common of those drugs is ibuprofen, the active ingredient in Motrin and Advil. Aleve uses another NSAID, naproxen.

The French warnings instead advised the use of paracetamol, which is known in the United States as acetominophen. It is the active ingredient in Tylenol.

WHO said in a statement Thursday to the Boston Herald that it is “aware of concerns on the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (i.e., ibuprofen) for the treatment of fever for people with COVID-19.”

WHO said it has reviewed available research and is “not aware of published clinical or population-based data” on the use of ibuprofen in coronavirus patients.

“We are consulting with physicians treating COVID-19 patients and are not aware of reports of any negative effects of ibuprofen, beyond the usual known side effects,” WHO said.

Conflicting takes have cropped up among health professionals.

“None of us can find real good data to verify this information,” said Davidson Hamer, an infectious disease specialist from Boston University’s School of Public Health. “We really need more information to know whether this is true.”

While more studies are conducted, Hamer said people infected with coronavirus should err on the side of caution and use acetaminophen.

Todd Ellerin, director of infectious diseases at South Shore Health, also recommended reaching for Tylenol first.

Related Articles Emmy Awards 2020: 2 Oakland actors stun with huge wins

Biden to focus on health care in Supreme Court debate

Hundreds of Catholics gather in San Francisco to decry COVID-19 limits on worship

Coronavirus cases, deaths continue to decline as flu season begins

Coronavirus glossary: Terms that became part of our daily dialogue in the past 6 months “Patients who have fevers, it’s very reasonable at this time to start with Tylenol, because it works centrally to reduce fevers,” Ellerin said. “Should we be avoiding ibuprofen entirely? That’s not clear. The jury’s still out.”

Acetominophen is not recommended for people with liver problems. It also should not be taken regularly by those who frequently have more than three alcoholic drinks a day.

Rick Sobey contributed to this report.