The
world has been sent
into self-isolation in an attempt to curb the spread of the virus.
What is a vaccine?
A
vaccine is a type of treatment aimed at stimulating the body's immune system to fight against infectious
pathogens, like bacteria and viruses. They are, according to the
World Health Organization, "one of the most effective ways to
prevent diseases."
- There
are no specific treatments for COVID-19 as yet, though a number are in the
works, including experimental antivirals, which can attack the virus, and
existing drugs targeted at other viruses like HIV which have shown some promise
in treating COVID-19.
1- Remdesivir
- "There's only one drug right now that we
think may have real efficacy," Bruce Aylward of the World Health
Organization said last month, as reported by STAT. "And that's Remdesivir."
- It has proven effective at inhibiting the growth of similar
viruses, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory
syndrome (MERS). In a petri dish, Remdesivir can prevent human cells
from becoming infected with SARS-CoV-2.
- Remdesevir can reduce
complications or shorten the disease course in COVID-19 patients.
- It works by knocking out a specific piece of
machinery in the virus, known as "RNA polymerase," which many viruses
use to replicate. It has been shown in the past to be effective in human cells and mouse models.
- It can stop the
coronavirus from copying itself. Through clinical trials and expanded access
programs, more than 1,700 COVID-19 patients have
been treated with Remdesivir.
2- Chloroquine and
hydroxychloroquine
- Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine have been approved by the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of malaria, lupus and
rheumatoid arthritis, but preliminary research in human and primate cells suggests that the drugs could effectively
treat COVID-19.
- It appears to be able to block viruses from
binding to human cells and getting inside them to replicate. It also may
stimulate the immune system.
- Chloroquine could quell the spread of SARS-CoV
when applied to infected human cells.
- Chloroquine disrupts the ability of the SARS-CoV
virus to enter and replicate in human cells.
- Chloroquine phosphate is widely available, but it
isn't without its side effects, and health officials are warning against
self-medicating. It can give you headaches, diarrhea, rashes, itching and
muscle problems.
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3- Favipiravir
- Favipiravir or Avigan, has been used in Japan to treat influenza, and
last month, the drug was approved as an experimental treatment for COVID-19
infections.
- The drug appeared to shorten the course of
the disease, with patients who were given the treatment clearing the virus
after just four days, while those who did not took around 11 days.
- So far, reports suggest the drug has been tested in 340
individuals in Wuhan and Shenzhen. "It has a high degree of safety.
- Favipiravir is an influenza treatment and
a broad-spectrum antiviral drug. It's not approved in the US, but is used in
Japan and China.
4- Losartan
- Losartan is a generic blood-pressure medication
that some scientists are hoping could help patients with COVID-19.
- Losartan works by blocking a receptor, or doorway into
cells that the chemical called angiotensin II uses to enter the cells and raise
blood pressure. SARS-CoV-2 binds to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)
receptor, and it's possible, the thinking goes, that because losartan might
block those receptors, it may prevent the virus from infecting cells.
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What can you do to prevent
spread and protect yourself?
- Make sure you wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds.
- Avoid touching your face, particularly your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Avoid close contact with sick people. If you think someone has a
respiratory infection, it’s safest to stay 2 meters away.
Most people with common human coronavirus illness will recover on their own. However, you can do some things to relieve your symptoms
- take pain and fever medications (Caution: do not give Aspirin to children)
- use a room humidifier or take a hot shower to help ease a sore throat and cough
If you are mildly sick, you should
- drink plenty of liquids
- stay home and rest
- Direct exposure to sunlight will naturally kill the virus (Vit. D)
- Garlic and lemon in hot water are natural antiviral medicine (Vit. C)
If you are concerned about your symptoms, you should see your healthcare provider.