Many words have been thrown around regarding the COVID-19 epidemic. News & Media is keen to determine the most effective way of treating or helping those infected with the virus to recover or even fully prevent the virus from replicating in the body.
COVID-19 is caused by an infection with the virus SARS-CoV-2. One medicine that has been claimed to help prevent the disease is Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). HCQ is a drug primarily used in the prevention and treatment of Malaria. Malaria like COVID-19 is caused by a parasite HCQ is only effective in locations where the Malaria causing parasite has not developed resistances to it. Further adding to this, a study selected people at high risk of contracting the virus and mailed HCQ and a placebo to over 800 members of the public to test the claim. The patients would self report and also get tested for COVID if symptoms arise. The results from the study showed that there was no difference in infections between the group that received HCQ or the group that received the placebo. Furthermore the group which had received HCQ had made comments in regards to the side effects they experienced.
So if we can’t prevent COVID-19 without the aid of a vaccine, can we help those who have the virus recover? Luckily the results of a study was posted the week before. The study issued Remdesivir, an antiviral drug directly into the body through a IV drip. All members of the study experienced respiratory complications while infected with COVID and underwent a Remdesivir or placebo course. The results showed that those treated with Remdesivir were more likely to have clinical improvement by the 15th day in the hospital and more serious incidents were reported more in the placebo group than the Remdesivir.
The current outlook on COVID-19 is the disease can only currently be prevented by following the PKPPs and SOPs the government has put into place to help slow the speed of the next wave of infections. Stay safe and wear a mask!
