Abstract: A method of treating a coronavirus infection involves administering an inhibitor of the Neu1 sialidase-G protein-coupled receptor-Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (Neu1-GPCR-MMP9) signaling platform, in particular administering intravenously or by inhalation to a patient infected with COVID-19 and its variants a therapeutically effective amount of oseltamivir phosphate, preferably in conjunction with the oral administration of aspirin, in order to reduce the symptoms of respiratory compromise and/or prevent Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS).