Body Building?

I appreciate that it is difficult to sometimes explain Science to the general public (there is a fine line between 'informing' and 'talking down') but the choice of wording can be crucial. The recent BBC coverage of a 'protein' that could reduce the chances of a person infected with Covid-19 needing to be placed on a ventilator is a case in point (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-53467022?at_custom3=BBC+News&at_custom1=%5Bpost+type%5D&at_custom2=facebook_page&at_medium=custom7&at_custom4=FD96E832-CA53-11EA-836B-BEF5FCA12A29&at_campaign=64). The material Interferon 𝛃 is, indeed, a protein (as are 'antibodies', 'enzymes' and some 'hormones') but it is a very specific arrangement of amino acids (the 20 or so basic building blocks of all proteins). I suspect that most members of the general public see proteins as food substances (like steak) or the supplements taken by body builders. Interferon 𝛃 is a protein, classed as a cytokine, of the type that the body produces when challenged by a foreign protein (like components of a virus). The compound has been used (with some success) in the treatment of patients with multiple sclerosis (an inheritance-linked condition where a patient's nerve coverings are progressively damaged such that movement becomes difficult). In the study, giving this cytokine as a nasal spray, apparently reduced the odds of needing to be placed on a ventilator by 79% (whatever that means). This potential benefit is very interesting and (like the dexamethasone treatment) needs to be followed up but eating extra protein will not give anyone extra protection!